Director says Middlefield Golf Course nearly reached $1 million in revenue after years of upgrades

Public works director Stewart told the council that investments made since the city purchased Middlefield Golf Course in 2006 have produced substantial growth in activity and revenue. He reported gross revenue of $999,363.42 for 2026 and reviewed several capital and operational upgrades that contributed to that result.

Stewart said the city has invested in new mowers and maintenance equipment, irrigation-software upgrades, an aerator, a covered golf-cart storage barn that doubled private-cart capacity, and a new tee box for Hole Number 1. After an ice storm in 2024 that caused widespread damage, FEMA reimbursed the city for repairs and helped pay to resurface cart paths.

Stewart said the golf course used new point-of-sale software (Lightspeed) and a website that improved tee-time bookings, and he described data showing heavy weekend morning bookings and a recent day with 161 rounds that generated $6,361 in revenue. The course also began replacing older gas carts with used electric carts and is now purchasing brand-new carts to renew the fleet.

Stewart told council members that about 40% of visitors come from outside Cottage Grove and that continued equipment and security investments (including cameras on Hole 10 and at maintenance and storage buildings) will support operations and reduce vandalism risk. He said the course is close to breaking even after a period of increased fees and improved operations but cautioned that weather can affect total revenue.

What comes next: Stewart said staff will continue equipment replacement and course improvements and will pursue projects such as adding power to the events area to reduce temporary power cords and improve safety.