Parks board hears golf-course report as memberships hit 129; junior clinic, outings reviewed

Jake, a parks committee member, told the Peru Parks Board on July 9 that memberships at the municipal golf course stand at 129 and that the club is offering half-year (half-price) memberships to carry players through the end of the year.

He reviewed recent and upcoming events, saying the Old Fellows League has about 32 players and that the course has hosted two of five scheduled OFL dates this year. Recent outings included a Manicore event with 19 teams; the Haines International is scheduled for July 11 with 13 teams committed; the Moose outing had about 16 teams; and the Peru Rotary Big Cup is set for July 31, followed by affiliated weekend tournaments. Jake said the course uses tee-time scheduling to keep play open when possible during outings.

On maintenance, Jake praised Cliff and the grounds crew for notable improvements in turf and fairway conditions and said the new irrigation system has not been heavily used because of recent rain and ongoing fertilizing and seeding. “It is just the best condition it’s ever been,” Jake said, adding that he has played the course for more than 60 years.

Jake also recapped a free junior golf clinic held Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon for children ages 4–14, sponsored by Harvey Henkelmeyer, who provided snacks and donated T-shirts; volunteer high-school coaches ran instruction. He said the program drew positive feedback from participants and parents and that organizers may adjust age-groupings next year.

Finally, Jake said the municipal golf course website was updated with new photos and information and that course ratings from the Indiana Golf Association — completed as part of a handicap/rating review — have been posted on the site.

The board did not take formal action on any of the course items; members asked staff to follow up on details as needed.