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Dunedin to form golf-club advisory committee as members and residents press for maintenance oversight
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Summary
City staff proposed a seven-member Dunedin Golf Club Advisory Committee; residents praised the restoration but urged a formal maintenance scorecard and stronger oversight after concerns about turf, bunkers and superintendent turnover; staff said the course remains in better condition than when the city took operational control.
Dunedin staff presented a draft resolution to create a seven-member Dunedin Golf Club Advisory Committee at the Feb. 3 workshop and received strong public response from players and maintenance professionals.
The proposed advisory body would include three members drawn from Dunedin Golf Club membership, three residents at large and one member recommended by the Board of Finance, with staggered initial terms to avoid simultaneous turnover. Staff said the committee would provide community input to the golf pro and city management and help align operations, finance and special events including the club's centennial on Jan. 1, 2027.
Several public speakers urged immediate formation with clear maintenance standards. Kevin Janiga, a resident and club member, said the course was "in pristine condition" at reopening but has since experienced turf fungus, drought stress, algae and a lack of maintenance continuity: "We should have an annual maintenance plan that's detailed week by week," he said. Former superintendents and members urged a documented scorecard and measurable standards.
City managers and the golf operational liaison responded that the renovation and restoration constituted a major investment and that conditions are substantially improved from the time the city assumed control. Blair Klein, staff liaison, said the course opened under difficult conditions (recent hurricanes and limited growth windows) and that while some areas need attention the restoration has received favorable reviews from outside experts.
Staff and commissioners noted the advisory committee could work with the Dunedin Golf Club Foundation on revenue and events. Blair and Tony Malky, parks director, said centennial planning is underway and that the committee could help shape programming and steward the course as an asset.
Next steps: staff will include the committee resolution on a future commission agenda and solicit applications for membership. Commissioners and public speakers asked staff to add clear expectations for maintenance metrics and periodic reporting to the commission.
