THE GREATER COLUMBUS GOLF AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF MEETING
April 27, 2010
The Greater Columbus Golf Authority held the scheduled monthly meeting at Bull
Creek Golf Course. Members present were Nancy Wilkeson, Rev. Hill, Richard
Hagler, Floyd Washington, Carl Williams, Rhudine Nelson, Rudy Allen, Michael
Silverstein and Aubry Burt. Staff member present were John Milam and Steve
Brown.
Minutes of the March 23, 2010 meeting were approved as presented. Motion made
by Michael Silverstein and seconded by Rhudine Nelson.
Old Business
Walking Fees: Based on the guidelines, the authority members agreed to go by
the latest schedule handout by the City of Columbus (see attachment). We felt
to reduce the discount even more in these economic times was not feasible.
New Business
Maple Ridge Players: A tournament was recently held at Maple Ridge Golf Course
and some of their members came to Bull Creek to play. They told Mr. Milan that
Bull Creek was in wonderful shape compared to Maple Ridge. They currently have
seven greens that are (dead) unplayable.
Bed Tax: The current bed tax is allocated for the civic center and trade
center. To make changes to this current tax would require state approval from
the legislature. When the economy improves, the city will create a pool of
money that Bull Creek could to tap into. Mr. Milan feels that Bull Creek has
hosted and plans to host the tournaments in numerous hotel nights.
Budget Meeting: Mr. Milam explained that the loss of revenue is all weather
related. The City suggested that Bull Creek give furlough days to employees.
Mr. Milan stated that we have cut employees down to the bear minimum and cannot
afford any furlough days. If furlough days are needed, a request should come
from council.
Driving Range Membership Fees: Nancy Wilkeson asked if we could introduce a
driving range membership fee to golfers. Mr. Milam explained that the driving
range would be beat to death if a membership is offered. We do not have the
luxury to close the range to let the grass heal.
Superintendent Report by Steve Brown
The greens are being mowed daily; height of the cut is .160 of an inch. The
green have been dusted four times with finer sand. The green have been double
verticut and this will be repeated. There are two problem greens; one on 15
West and the other 15 East. The back edges are too shady and the last to thaw
out during the winter months. Sod will be needed on the east side, but the
West side is getting some growth. Some trees will need to come down on both
holes to allow more sun through.
On 13 West, just before the creek, the floods have washed away some sod. About
three or four pallets of sod will be laid. Also on 3 West, sod will be added
between the green and cart path. Fertilizer will be applied in the next few
weeks to the fairways.
Godwin Creek
Bull Creek has provided Godwin Creek with fertilizer to maintain their course.
They owe Bull Creek approximately $400 for chemicals and fertilizer. A
tournament will be held in the future to raise funds. The money collected will
reimburse Bull Creek for their supplies.
Prison guard, Chris Beamon, will be out of work for approximately 10 days the
third week of May for knee surgery.
Director of Golf
Oxbow Creek is not far behind year-to-date from 2009 to 2010. Through April
20th, Oxbow Creek has increased their revenues by $4000 compared to the same
time last year. Michael Silverstein asked Mr. Milam if the new Infantry Museum
had an impact on play at Oxbow Creek. Mr. Milan believes Fort Benning?s golf
course is in poor shape, and play from Fort Benning is coming to Oxbow Creek.
Bull Creek?s revenue through the 21st of April has increased by $54,221
compared to the same time last year.
Mr. Milam received his trade magazine and revealed that medium revenue for golf
in the United Stated is down by 6%. This article also stated that 1,000 golf
courses will close in 5 years and 1,000 private golf courses will close in 7
years.
Richard Hagler adjourned the meeting at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Wilkeson, Secretary
Attachment (1)
Attachments
No attachments for this document.