Director of Golf Report – March 2014
by Brian Duthu
Total rounds played in February increased over prior year, for the second consecutive month. Rounds played on the regulation courses decreased slightly (223 rounds); however the executive courses increased 28% (3,065 rounds). Rounds played on the executive courses were the most played in the last 8 years. Year-to-date golfers have played 12,661 more rounds compared to 2013. Cardholder play and their guests represent 94% of the total rounds played year-to-date.
Total sales for the Demo Day on March 10 totaled $2,707. Vendor sales were successful with 2 sets of irons, 2 drivers, 4 individual clubs and a golf bag being sold. We estimate that 150 to 200 cardholders took part throughout the day. We remind everyone that we can match most prices offered by the big box stores on newly released products. Custom orders can be placed and received in an equal amount of time as well.
Free golf clinics were conducted on March 8, March 15 and March 22 and have proven very popular with 112, 97 and 104 participants respectively. One more class will be offered at Lakes East/West on March 29; class begins at 9:30 a.m. Topics covered are ball flight, golf swing fundamentals, chipping and putting. There is no need to pre-register and the clinics are open to golfers of all skill levels. The clinics are a great introduction to the game of golf or great way to brush up on your game. Clinics are conducted by LPGA and PGA professionals.
We have scheduled our first night golf event of the season for April 19, at Lakes East Golf Course. Check-in will begin at 6:00 p.m., dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., and play will begin at 7:30 p.m. The cost of the event is $25, which includes dinner, first night golf ball, night golf accessories, prizes and more. Applicable green fees will be paid on the day of play. Sign-up sheets will be available at each pro shop.
With longer daylight hours and increased business at the snack shops, we have begun closing the snack shops at 6:00 p.m., we will continue doing so as long as the demand exists. Many of our ladies clubs and tournaments have taken advantage of the convenient low priced options for brown bag lunches. We welcome the opportunity to develop a food option for your next event.
At the request of many year round resident golfers, we have developed an aerification program that will eliminate the need for the green aerification that previously took place in May. This plan is anticipated to have positive income results for RCSC as well, allowing for more rounds to be played during the month.
The North renovation project remains on schedule. Work on the back 9 began on Hole 12 and has progressed to Hole 18. Street crossings for the main line have been completed on the back 9, including the longest run from behind the 10th tee, to the 1st tee. Gravel blankets for the greens are installed throughout the front 9 and several holes on the back 9. Several fairways on the front nine have been aerified to aid in their recovery. In the coming weeks we will begin an aggressive fertilization program in the undisturbed areas on the front 9, to begin course recovery. Undisturbed rough areas will be a major focus of this program.