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Board debate over Harding Park, PGA amendment and golf fund deficits
Summary
Supervisors debated a proposed amendment to the PGA master tournament agreement that would lock in specified tournaments at Harding Park and adjust revenue thresholds; budget analyst warned recent tournaments have cost the city in direct event losses, and the committee sent the amended item forward with a recommendation of 'do not pass' so the full board can weigh broader golf-fund remediation.
A contested amendment to the master tournament agreement with the PGA dominated discussion as the Budget & Finance Committee weighed whether locking in future tournaments at Harding Park is in the city’s fiscal interest.
Sponsor remarks framed the amendment as a defensive step to secure scheduled tournaments and protect the city’s prior investment in Harding Park: "It sets in place specific times and specific tournaments for Harding Park," the sponsor said, noting potential multi-year benefits including $500,000 per tournament for the city's general fund and a $500,000 contribution to the First Tee nonprofit.
Budget analyst and other supervisors cited the department’s management audit, which found the February tournament produced a net loss for the city of roughly $141,000 when direct departmental costs exceeded revenues. "Our recommendation was to renegotiate the master tournament agreement...to either negotiate more advantageous terms or terminate the agreement," the budget analyst said.
Supervisors were split. Supporters argued the televised tournaments drive hotel and sales-tax revenue and nonresident greens-fee demand; opponents said the golf fund's larger structural deficit and prior capital commitments require a comprehensive plan before amending contracts. Supervisor McGoldrick urged a holistic reckoning of the golf fund and its capital obligations; Supervisor Ellsberg argued that without PGA presence nonresident demand and revenue would fall further.
Committee action: After amendments and debate, committee members moved to send the item to the full board with a "do not pass" recommendation (as amended) so the full board can consider the amendment in the context of a broader golf-fund plan.
Next steps: The item will go to the full Board of Supervisors; the budget analyst recommended further negotiation with the PGA to secure better terms that fully recover direct event costs.
