Local golf clubs press Alameda staff over tee-time changes, resident rates and range maintenance

Commissioners raised concerns about how the golf-course operator has handled club scheduling and rate application, saying some local clubs have lost previously agreed-upon tee times with short notice and that questions remain about whether the operator can require nonresident rates for groups that include residents.

Commissioner Tong told the panel that when he spoke with Ken Campbell at the club, Campbell said the rates applied to some groups should be the resident rate; staff said the operator has told clubs it will work directly with them and that the concession contract does not spell out the operator's obligations to club reservations. The commission heard one weekend men's group has an estimated 60% resident and 40% nonresident mix, and commissioners asked whether the operator could impose nonresident pricing on a full group; staff said the city rules do not allow the operator to charge residents the nonresident rate in that manner and that they would follow up.

Separately, a commissioner reported a constituent's question about replacement of driving-range mats, saying the constituent believed the contract required annual replacement of all mats. Department staff said Greenway acknowledged that mat replacement is part of ongoing maintenance but that the operator had not provided a firm replacement date.

Staff described standard practice for clubs to submit annual schedules and for the operator to return approved times; when dates are later removed with short notice, clubs must scramble to reschedule or find alternate courses. The director said staff will pursue follow-up with the operator and with clubs to clarify scheduling, rate application and the maintenance timetable.