Murfreesboro commission proposes cart-path-only winter policy, longer booking window and new twilight rate

The Murfreesboro Golf Commission discussed a set of operational changes staff plans to implement for 2026 aimed at protecting turf and increasing revenue.

Trey said the course will remain cart-path-only through the winter and into spring until fairways green up and staff gives approval to resume normal play. "We beginning December 1, cart path only," Trey said, adding that staff would reassess in April or when turf conditions permit.

Trey proposed changing the standard booking window for general tee times from five days to seven days, saying a seven-day window is ‘‘kind of the norm’’ and helps reduce heavy Saturday call volume. He also described a twilight add-on for tee times within four hours before sunset: players would not be able to reserve 18 holes online during that window but could pay a twilight add-on if they sought to play additional holes. "If we can get even just 1 group... that could be close to $20,000 in 1 year," Trey said when describing potential revenue upside from a twilight option.

Chair asked about turf-protection thresholds and Marty, the course superintendent, said covers are typically used when overnight lows approach the 20-degree mark, though the decision depends on the pattern of temperatures before and after a cold snap. "That 20 degree mark is sort of like, the threshold," Marty said, adding that extended below-freezing periods (24–36 hours) make covers necessary.

Staff said the commission will monitor the sinking fund, user demand and turf conditions as the new rules are phased in and may tweak booking and rate rules after the first season.

The commission did not adopt formal policy language at the meeting; staff presented the proposals for consideration and implementation planning.