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Umatilla staff outline upgrades at Big River Golf Course: online tee times, GPS carts and concessions plans
Summary
Golf course staff presented new amenities and operations: a cutting/putting green, staff uniforms, online tee-time booking (members 45 days, guests 30 days), a GPS 'Tag Marshal' system on carts to monitor pace and misuse, and expanded concession plans pending a grease plan and approvals.
City staff and Big River Golf Course personnel told Umatilla council about a series of customer-service and operational upgrades at the course meant to improve play and fiscal sustainability.
Golf staff described a newly installed cutting/putting green already in use and new staff uniforms to help patrons identify pro-shop personnel. Online tee-time booking launched in February; according to staff, members may book up to 45 days in advance while non-members can book 30 days ahead. An early promotion runs through July 14 offering member credits for online bookings and a limited non-member discount off green fees.
"We have a cutting green…that is in. It looks terrific. People are enjoying it," golf staff member Megan said. Staff said online reservations have reduced phone traffic and that integrated tee-sheet software will eventually transfer bookings into the new cart-monitoring system.
The course has implemented a Tag Marshal GPS system in carts to monitor routes, detect cart misuse, and help pace-of-play. Staff said the system has already helped flag unusual routes and an alarm event on a cart; it also supports faster maintenance response and customer-service follow-up when staff are short-handed.
Concession plans include prepackaged foods immediately available, and a commercial hot-dog roller and other small warm options once a grease plan and building official approvals are in place. Staff said they will explore partnerships with local restaurants for prepackaged sandwiches and intend to donate unsold items to a housing project.
Other planned site improvements in the adopted budget include replacing rolled rock with sidewalks, benches and umbrellas to provide shaded waiting areas near the pro shop.
Councilors praised the updates and the golf staff’s work; no council action was required beyond the informational report.
