Golf operations report: 97,000 rounds, $2.1 million net revenue and major capital projects planned
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Summary
Staff reported a strong 2024 season for Overland Park municipal golf operations with about 97,000 rounds, roughly $11.8 million gross revenue, $2.1 million net revenue, major investments in bunkers and parking and a planned St. Andrews clubhouse renovation estimated at $2.7 million.
City parks staff reported that Overland Park’s golf operations had a strong 2024 season with increased rounds and revenue, several capital projects completed and plans for the Saint Andrews clubhouse renovation.
The presenter said golf operations recorded about 97,000 rounds of golf in 2024, nearly 15,000 more than the prior year. Staff attributed some of the increase to improved parking (an expansion that added 140 spaces) and completed bunker renovations at Sykes/Lady and Westlink. The bunker renovation and parking expansion were described as roughly $1.3 million each. Club 27 (the restaurant/concession) generated substantial revenue; staff said the restaurant contributed materially to overall gross revenue, which staff reported at roughly $11.8 million for the golf enterprise and net revenue (revenue over expenditures) of about $2.1 million for 2024.
Why it matters: The golf fund operates as an enterprise fund that supports operations and capital for city golf facilities. Staff said the golf fund balance remained healthy at about $6.4 million after 2024 capital spending, which included the bunkers and parking work; the fund will be used to pay for the planned Saint Andrews clubhouse interior renovation. Staff said they prefer to fund projects from the golf fund rather than issuing bonds when possible; the golf fund currently carries one outstanding bond related to the Sykes/Lady clubhouse with an annual debt service of about $280,000.
Upcoming and proposed work: Staff said a request for qualifications (RFQ) would be released in February to hire a design firm for the St. Andrews clubhouse renovation; the project budget estimate cited in the presentation was about $2.7 million, with construction anticipated to begin in fall 2026 and substantially complete in spring 2027. Staff cautioned that the $2.7 million figure is an estimate and may change once a design and public engagement process are completed.
Councilors asked for context comparing the city’s rounds to other regional courses, and staff said local course closures and consolidation in the Kansas City area have increased play at municipal courses. Council members also raised operational questions — including software speed for tee‑time booking, the effect of the bunker changes on play and ongoing maintenance costs as rounds increase. Staff acknowledged additional maintenance pressure from higher rounds and said some work (irrigation, tee boxes) will need phased investment over time; a prior master plan estimated a full renovation of Sykes/Lady (course infrastructure only, not clubhouse) at $10–12 million.
Ending: Staff described 2024 as a very successful financial year for the golf enterprise and said the department will continue public engagement around the St. Andrews renovation and seek to keep the fund healthy to avoid future bond debt.
