Columbus, Georgia

THE GREATER COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY



MINUTES OF MEETING



July 27, 2004





The Greater Columbus Golf Authority held the scheduled monthly meeting at Bull

Creek Golf Course. Members present were Chairman Donald Clack, Floyd

Washington, Richard Hagler, Michael Silverstein, Nancy Wilkeson, Earl Bagley,

June Holder and Rhudine Nelson. Rev. Willie Hill had an excused absence.

Staff members present were John Milam, Steve Brown and Jamie Hughes. Pat M.

O?Brien, USGA Agronomist Southeast Region was also present.



Minutes of the June 22, 2004, meeting were approved as presented. Motion made

by Richard Hagler and seconded by Rhudine Nelson. Donald Clack welcomed

Michael Silverstein to be Authority Board who replaces Rick Cravens.



Mr. O?Brien, USGA Southeast Director of Green Section toured Oxbow and Bull

Creek Golf Courses today. First with Oxbow Creek, the course is in excellent

condition. It has about 24,000 9 hole rounds of golf per year. There are no

weeds, Poa-Annua or disease present. Winter painting of the greens instead of

over seeding is recommended. Mr. O?Brien suggests using 5/8? tines to aerify

the greens twice a year (June and July). Other recommendations are installing

a roof to keep the sand dry for top-dressing; brushing the greens to rid the

grainy greens; need a sidewall catch basin to alleviate the wet spots; buy

another tee mower to mow the smaller tees; and the 150-yard markers should be

two feet high instead of four feet. It was suggested to Jamie to see if the

city will repair the pothole when exiting the bridge near #2 tees.



Mr. O?Brien said that Bull Creek had the best two layouts for the value. We

have a very efficient budget (under $500,000 annually) due to prison labor.

About 35,000 to 40,000 per 18 hole rounds are played annually. The greens are

in great condition. His recommendation included using 5/8? tines to aerify

both in June and July; purchasing a grinding machine to keep equipment in the

best condition; use Primo to reduce fairway clippings; need to purchase another

tee, fairway and rough mowers; curb around tees and greens; change yard markers

to two feet in height; continue to paint greens instead of over seeding and

reseed Love grass over Rye grass to hold back slopes and reduce erosion. If we

were to build a new maintenance facility, Mr. O?Brien would recommend: 24,000

sq ft building with 16,000 sq ft for turf storage (under roof); 3,000-4,000 sq

ft for the mechanic and 6,000 to 8,000 sq ft for offices and a lunchroom.



Report of Steve Brown, Superintendent



Steve and Mr. O?Brien discussed the height of the greens for the winter

months. When the greens have been painted, the speed on the greens increase

since there is no new grass growth. It was suggested that the height of the

mower be at 3/16? for the East Course and ?? for the West Course because of the

undulation. Nancy Wilkeson had several concerns regarding #3 West. There is

a large hole in the rough on the right that needs attention and the situation

of the carts that park near the green. The hill is steep and could cause a cart

to roll back towards the creek if the park brake isn?t installed properly. The

yardage markers need to be painted on the cart paths on the West Course. We

could also use some scatter barriers (like Oxbow) on 4 and 7 West to deter cart

traffic when entering the fairways.



Godwin Creek Financial Report



Godwin Creek has $2100 in the bank and is expecting to receive an additional

$2000 donation from the truancy program out of Atlanta. The course lost about

$85,000 during the last 6 months. The irrigation system is up and running.

Fertilizer should be forthcoming for the greens.



Report of John Milam, Director of Golf



Bull Creek has more than doubled its revenue for the first 25 days in July ?04

than in ?03. We are hoping this continues. Bull Creek lost approximately

$756,980 for the fiscal year ending in ?04; this includes $350,000 from

depreciation, debt and writes offs. Wednesday ?dollar days? will continue.

Bull Creek might add a ?senior day? on Monday when the time changes. New

carpet will be added to the clubhouse for a cost of $3500 and a paid

membership. Butterfingers has installed new carpet and reupholstered the

chairs. The restaurant is well supervised and has excellent food. They will

pay us on a monthly basis.

Oxbow Creek lost about $135,000 for this fiscal year.



June Holder suggested that Bull Creek have organized games. She suggested that

Bull Creek have a ladies and senior group. June was told that there is a ?dog

fight? already in existence on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 11:30 am and

on Saturday and Sunday, play begins at 8:15 am.



A plaque for Rick Cravens will be presented to him at the next scheduled

meeting for his dedicated service. The official opening of the West Course is

to be held August 27th. Parks and Recreation will send out invitations. Also,

a bronze plaque honoring Mr. Al Riesenburger will be dedicated for his work and

many contributions to Bull Creek.



A motion was made at 5:25 p.m. to adjourn by Richard Hagler and seconded by

Michael Silverstein.



Respectfully submitted,





Nancy Wilkeson, Secretary