THE GREATER COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF MEETING
October 27, 2009
The Greater Columbus Golf Authority held the scheduled monthly meeting at Bull
Creek Golf Course. Members present were Aubry Burt, Nancy Wilkeson, Rudy
Allen, Carl Williams, Michael Silverstein, Rhudine Nelson, Richard Hagler and
Rev. Hill. Floyd Washington had an excused absence. Staff members present
were John Milam and Steve Brown.
Minutes of the September 22, 2009 meeting were approved as presented. Motion
made by Rev. Hill and seconded by Carl Williams.
Old Business
Bull Creek held a First Tee, Friends of Godwin Creek, Tournament, on Monday,
October 19th, 2009. Twenty-two golfers played. Six hundred dollars was raised
to repay Bull Creek for the fertilizer and other chemicals loaned to Godwin
Creek. Godwin Creek now has a $50 credit. Another tournament will be held in
the future when their debt accumulates.
Bull Creek has received 15,000 yardage books. The books were printed free to
Bull Creek, advertising was sold, and Bull Creek will in turn sell them for a
nominal fee. There are specials for Mark Immelman?s Golf Academy, Bobby
Hackett?s Master Golf Repair and the snack bar in the yardage book as well.
Mr. Milam received a letter thanking him and his staff at Bull Creek from Mr.
B. Dayton Preston, Sr. Vice President Economic Development, for their kindness
extended to NCR?s group.
New Business
Tee times open up every Wednesday morning for play for that upcoming Saturday
and Sunday, however; there are several groups of golfers that have been playing
at Bull Creek every Saturday and Sunday for the past ten plus years that
automatically have been given designated tee times. Mr. Hagler stated to John
Milam that this falls into the day-to-day operations and for him to proceed as
he sees fit. Mr. Milam feels that Mr. Luis Cartagena has a valid point and
fair is fair. Mr. Milam will accommodate Mr. Cartagena and his group. In the
future, if this continues to be a problem, Mr. Milam will open up all tee
times. The golf authority and Mr. Milam feel that Bull Creek needs to take
care of our regular, steady customers at the same time.
Nancy Wilkeson asked Mr. Milan why tee times were not taken on a holiday. His
reply was that if a golfer calls in for a tee time and would like 9 AM and the
next available time is 10 AM, he will go elsewhere to play golf. But, if the
pro shop says it is ?open play?, he will come to Bull Creek and stand in line
and wait his turn.
Mr. Jack Langford?s letter to Mr. Gary Allen concerning the closing of Bull
Creek Golf Course when hosting a private outing for United Way, Easter Seals or
the American Cancer Society has received the City Manager?s approval to close
the course. These special outings enable Bull Creek to keep their rates
affordable for everyone and only occur several times per year.
Mr. Milam spoke with a soldier, recently assigned to Ft. Benning, who played
golf at Bull Creek last Saturday. He had heard about Joanie?s delicious buffet
and the course from a fellow soldier while serving in Iraq. Michael
Silverstein suggested that this story needs to be told. John said he would
refer this to Jim Houston.
Golf Business has recently published a report on the percentage of rounds of
golf in the southeast. All states in the southeast are down, Alabama leads the
way by 9% and Georgia follows by 8% with Florida at 2.2%. However, at Bull
Creek, we are holding our own. Military play has increased considerably at
Bull Creek.
Superintendent Report by Steve Brown by John Milam
The greens have been lightly dusted with sand and the greens mower blades have
been raised to prepare us for the cooler weather. The bunkers will be edged and
drainage problems (installing catch basins) will be addressed as the cutting
season slows down.
Steve has been working at Oxbow Creek one day a week for the past three weeks.
The fairways have been sprayed to control the weeds and the greens have been
dusted.
Godwin Creek
Steve Brown states that the greens at Godwin Creek have ?? of top soil on
clay. There are two greens that have algae growth. The greens will be over
seeded and should take care of the algae.
The First Tee National Committee visited with the YMCA and the First Tee Board
to discuss the future of the First Tee at Godwin Creek. The YMCA is not
interested because it is too expensive to operate.
Seniors for kids will continue their program. Mr. Milam said the doors are
open and the bills are being paid.
Director of Golf
Oxbow Creek?s revenues are ahead by $4,000 compared to last year?s revenues.
Through the 20th of October, their revenue is down by $700 compared to the
previous year. Bull Creek?s revenues are up, but so are expenses. Bull
Creek?s revenue through the 21st of October is the same as last year.
The regular scheduled meetings of the Golf Authority for November and December
are several days prior to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Mr. Milam
will notify the authority one week ahead to determine if a meeting is
necessary.
Richard Hagler adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Wilkeson, Secretary
Attachments
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