Golf course reports higher May revenue, new bunker rig and driving range boost operations

Jeffrey Biggers, golf director for Fernandina Beach, told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee on June 10 that the municipal golf operation posted stronger May results than a year earlier.

"For three months, we did 39,000 more than we did in May 2024," Biggers said, reporting total revenue of $158,720, cart fees just over $47,000, and pro shop sales of $14,915. He also said the driving range produced $14,292 after opening May 7.

The director described operational gains and near-term equipment deliveries: two greens mowers are scheduled for late June, and staff are budgeting to install a secondary well with pump station and radio controls to improve irrigation reliability.

Biggers highlighted maintenance work on greens — aerifying, top-dressing and verticutting on a three-week rotation — and said the crew may bring in temporary sod from a South Georgia nursery to patch several greens.

He said the course received a bunker rig on May 27 that should improve bunker sand redistribution and address compacted turf and hanging lips. "It really... will help dig up more of the sand, level out surfaces," he said.

Memberships rose modestly: Biggers said two new memberships in the past month brought totals to 163, and six members joined the driving-range plan since the range reopened. He also recapped recent events and participation: a driving-range reopening drew 40–50 people; a two-person scramble had 32 participants; and regular Spark Golf and Blitz events continue to attract players.

The committee approved the May meeting minutes and the May golf-course workshop minutes by voice votes earlier in the meeting; no roll-call tallies were provided.