HomeMy Public PortalAbout2012Annual Report to McCall City Council
Golf Course Advisory Committee
February 23, 2012
The McCall Golf Course opened in May in excellent condition; June rain totaled over 6 inches and
dampened early enthusiasm. July and August golf rounds matched historical highs and a half
dozen improvement projects were completed. The irrigation system bond is now fully paid off.
I. Positive Notes:
Head PGA Professional's Performance
Superintendent's Performance
LOT Funding
Golf Course Marketing
Head PGA Professional — A lot of golfers are playing at the McCall Course, eating at the
restaurant, and enjoying the overall experience. Our municipal golf course is meeting the demand
for an affordable resort experience. The building is also utilized for weddings, parties and other
events that are non golf.
1. Green fee rates for 2011 were kept the same as 2010. The goal remains to keep revenue in
line with costs — break even.
2. Total number of golf rounds played was similar to 2010. June rain greatly affected the
Spring shoulder season.
3. Restaurant business has continued to improve over the previous year. There was a turnover in
the chef and staff but were replaced with experienced people. The restaurant is open most of
the year to improve utilization of the clubhouse and provide affordable dining options to the
community.
4. Strong attendance at the junior golf summer clinic. PGA teaching professionals Ron Weber
and Ray Center are excellent instructors and make the clinics fun to attend.
5. All tournaments except the seniors' event were full, and the staff received numerous
compliments. There is a waiting list for all of the men's tournaments.
6. Most of the pro shop staff is returning — all are well trained, courteous, professional, and
helpful to the customers.
7. The Head Pro and advisory committee continue to have an excellent working relationship.
Discussions at monthly committee meetings are productive and courteous. Most committee
meetings are attended by the full membership.
8. The second year of Jazz on the Green was a success with support for the Snowdon Wildlife
Sanctuary and the McCall Optimist Club.
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Superintendent — Fully staffed, within the budget, highly motivated crew produced noticeable
improvements to the golf course. We are using more part time people.
1. Applying black sand to all greens and diligent winter monitoring contributed to a May
opening with no temporary greens. Black sand was applied again last fall. (See Picture 1).
2. Staffing facilitates a mowing schedule that does not interfere with players or the pace of play.
3. More attention to detail: preventative measures like weed spraying, and beautification of
grounds (flowers around the clubhouse).
4. Staff removed a portion of the bunker on 7 Cedar to make the green more accessible to
higher handicap golfers. (See Picture 2).
5. The cart paths were all crack sealed and seal coated thanks to LOT funds and McCall Men's
Association funds. (See Picture 3)
6. New fountains were installed in the ponds at Cedar 3 and 9 to help with algae control.
7. Driving range safety — approximately 160 large trees (evergreen and deciduous) were planted
at the end of the driving range to provide a safety barrier to long drives. Over time this tree
barrier should prevent range balls from landing on private lots in the new subdivision. With
the trees in place and signage, there were no complaints or injury.
8. Compost organic fertilized was applied at a rate of two cubic yards per acre across all
fairways and rough areas to increase turf health. We were able to use less water last summer
and less chemical fertilizer. (See Picture 4).
9. Staff was able to get a number of loads of rock, a byproduct of chip sealing the highway, and
used it to do a number of drainage projects in areas where we always have problems being
wet. (See Pictures 5a and 5b).
10. Removed dead and damaged trees. Planted back (10) 8' trees, (10) 3' trees and over (30) 1 to
2' trees.
11. Staff continues to plow the cart paths in the winter which allows the community a safe place
to come and walk their dogs.
12. Fully paid off the golf course irrigation system bond (approximately $100,000 annually).
LOT Funding — more dollars invested in the golf course, labor and facilities.
1. Advisory Committee is very appreciative of the dollars provided by LOT.
2. New and/or used equipment purchased with previous LOT dollars are now in use.
3. Adds two seasonal positions.
Golf Course Marketing Plan — South West Visitors Association and Web Site
1. Joined up with other local golf courses to attend three golf expositions.
2. Eric attended shows in Boise, Spokane, and Seattle to attract new players. Focus is on
traveling to McCall to play all of the good local courses.
3. Web Site is up and running and is updated weekly during the golf season.
4. A web cam was added to the web site so people can see what is going on at the golf course.
5. The golf course used the data base of over 2000 developed through golf shows and sign ups
to do several e-blasts to market letters containing news and specials.
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Picture #4
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Word of Mouth Marketing
The excellent course condition in May and lack of temporary greens really made a difference. Players
from out of our area quickly spread the word that the McCall Golf Course was in good condition and
ready to play. Long time members stated that the golf course was in the best condition it has been in its
80 plus year history.
11. Challenges:
Mother Nature — June rain was again above normal. (Normal is only two inches).
Clubhouse building is aging — we should expect numerous repairs and upgrades needed.
- Balancing the need for small course improvement projects with a modest budget.
- Economy continues to be slow. Golfers are looking for value.
Need financing to build the new maintenance building (planning and engineering has been
completed).
The parking lot is in need of an overlay.
Mother Nature — Rainy days in June
1. The course opened in May, but late spring rains in June kept the level of play down.
2. The maintenance crew had to hold off Aerification until mid June because of it being too wet
in May.
3. Fall weather was nearly ideal and the level of play did pick up some.
Economy in general continued to decline in FY 2011
1. Travel in general has declined compared to previous years.
2. Golf rounds have declined (Nationally).
3. LOT revenue has declined.
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III. Summary:
Visitors to our golf course have increasingly been complimentary about the health of the course and
quality of their experience. Within a few years, the new maintenance building will be a reality allowing
city employees to work in a safe and modern environment. The golf course will join the ranks of other
prestigious courses certified by the Audubon Society.
The restaurant and clubhouse improvements have noticeably benefited visitors and our community. The
dedication of the professionals and staff is appreciated and noticed by the golfing community.
Clubhouse repairs and maintenance will increase as this building ages beyond 20 years.
The golf course advisory committee appreciates the value the City Council has placed on supporting this
valuable amenity. This continued support for McCall's Municipal Golf Course has greatly contributed
to its business success and overall contribution to the community.
The way to secure our future is to increase revenue while keeping costs within budget. The advisory
committee recommended no increase in golf fees for 2012. The committee and staff recommended to
council that we add an additional season pass for $300 for play after 2:00 pm. They also recommended
that we lower one of the 9 hole rates and the daily trail fee. It is essential that adequate funding and
staffing is available to put the course to bed properly in the Fall and do the necessary clean-up and
preparation in the Spring so that word gets out early in the season that McCall is the place to play.
Annual Committee Report Submitted by
Ron Noble
Golf Course Advisory Committee Chairman
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