San Clemente committee votes to recommend comprehensive RFP for municipal pro shop, keeps key revenue streams with city

The San Clemente City Golf Course Committee voted to recommend that the City Council issue a comprehensive request for proposals for the municipal pro shop and related services, with specific exclusions and a requirement that the committee participate in developing and evaluating the RFP.

Samantha Weatherly Beach, Parks and Recreation director, told the committee the staff report outlined three paths: issue an RFP, use a hybrid model, or move operations in‑house. She said maintenance of the golf course would remain with city staff and that green‑fee revenue is currently retained in full by the golf enterprise fund, a point staff recommended preserving in the procurement process. "We cannot continue to renew the existing contract," Weatherly Beach said, describing a need to rebid the expired agreement if the council chooses that path.

Public comment strongly favored retaining the Cook family, which has run the pro shop for decades. Mark Olsen, a member of the San Clemente Men's Club, said he has "known Dave Cook and his…