County accepts National Golf Foundation report, directs staff to apply for liquor license for Sand Ridge clubhouse

The Board voted unanimously July 1 to accept a National Golf Foundation report on the future operation of Sand Ridge Golf Club’s new clubhouse and to authorize staff to begin work to secure a 4COP liquor license and to plan staffing and operational changes needed when construction is complete.

County staff and Bella Nagy, Sand Ridge’s director, presented NGF findings and staffing recommendations. NGF consultant Richard Sanger said the new clubhouse should “match the quality” of the golf course and recommended an operational profile that includes a facility general manager and dedicated food‑and‑beverage staff to support full‑service restaurant, banquet and on‑course beverage operations. The county’s proposal is to operate food and beverage in‑house rather than contracting it out; staff said bond counsel advised significant private benefit to a third party could jeopardize the financing structure for the clubhouse project.

The NGF report included case studies showing other municipalities that tried private concession arrangements later moved to a county‑run or hybrid model. Staff said the new clubhouse and expanded hospitality offerings will increase event and banquet capacity and create new revenue streams; staff also acknowledged the operational model will require additional staffing and budget planning. A motion passed 5‑0 directing staff to accept the report, move forward with operational planning and begin the process to acquire a 4COP liquor license so the facility can offer full restaurant and banquet services when it opens.

County staff described the item as an early, informational step in determining long‑term staffing and budgeting. The board asked staff to bring follow‑up details through the budget process and to coordinate with the county administrator and the Office of Management and Budget on projected labor and operating costs before final staffing changes are adopted.