Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Golf Advisory Commission met Oct. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Meeting Called to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by David Selkirk

Roll Call:

Present: Rodney Bunch, Steve Cheesman, Jerry Reynolds (By Phone), Paul Sandborg, David Selkirk City of Galesburg: Alderman Bradley Hix, Director Parks and Recreation Elizabeth Varner, Parks Superintendent Don Miles, Head Golf Professional Bryan Luedtke

Absent: Greenskeeper Matt Miles

Guest: Tom Webber

Minutes: September minutes were approved with motions from Paul Sandborg and Steve Cheesman.

Greenkeeper Report:  

Parks Superintendent, Don Miles, provide the Greenskeeper report for Matt Miles. This included reporting that the fairways were aerified with the tractor and Bannerman slicer tines. There was also overseeding of areas in the fairways, with the rough being finished. Fall fertilizers have been applied to the tees, fairways, and high traffic rough areas. The change in season has also started with the fall leaf blowing and mulching. The tall grass areas are starting to get cut down as well. Burning of the grass will not be until spring 2023.

Golf Professional Report: 

Bryan Luedtke provided a report to the commission and an overview of September. There were 3,932 rounds played in September, which was a fantastic month with the weather, rounds and revenue.

There were 48 players who competed in the Year End Super Ball. Golfers had a great time playing in the beautiful fall weather. Bryan reported the event was down by about eight players from 2021. This could possibly be due to the format, which may be changed in the future. Guest, Tom Webber, asked if the women’s groups usually attend. Bryan informed him that they usually attend the Ladies All City and this year they also attended the Ladies Invitational held at Bunker Links. The Peoria Sandtrappers Golf League held their event with 72 players, with 42 who stayed for lunch, as they enjoyed a beautiful fall day. They enjoyed playing the course and the gold tees. Their scoring was well when rolling the ball on the greens. The Peoria Sandtrappers Golf League will vote on where they play next season, so hopefully Bunker Links is on the list.

Upcoming Events: The Knox County CEO Golf Outing will be on Friday, October 28, 2022 with a 11:00 a.m. Shotgun Start and a two person scramble. There are currently 68 players registered. Bryan reported that he spoke to the CSC class of Knox County CEO’s and did a presentation. This event is organized by the high school students. They went out and got eighteen sponsors, Nissan to sponsor the Hole in One and have a few special touches they plan to add. Bryan will be creating a scoreboard, organizing the list of players, and assisting the student so it will be a fun day. This is the last event of the year.

The Tribute Walkway has sold a total of 43 bricks, with revenue of $4,300. Bryan hope to add and additional six more.

David Selkirk mentioned that Bryan Luedtke has been selected as Public Merchandiser of the Year with the Iowa PGA Committee. Bryan believes the tournaments have increased the sales, despite the supply chain issues making orders tough. David also congratulated Bryan on earning 45th out of 264 players at the Sr. PGA Championship in New Mexico. The entire Golf Commission expressed congratulations to Bryan for his 45th place at the Sr. PGA and being selected Merchandiser of the Year. (Great Job, Bryan!)

Season passes are basically the same as last month, with a few more punch cards. Many players have found that season passes are worth the money over punch cards. Commissioners inquired about the new rates. Elizabeth Varner will get the new rates for everyone. There have been 2,200 yearly rounds with the potential to set a record in October.

Old Business: 

Rodney Bunch would like to have the golf course set hours for returning a cart, suggesting 8:30 p.m. David does not feel there are many issues with the current standards. Elizbeth reviewed the golf comparisons and recommended dawn to dusk, with courtesy reminders and consideration to staff closing to maintain good customer service. Bradley Hix suggested it would be difficult to enforce with the season changes. Bryan did say that there may be times when staff needs to go out and get the golfers off the course. Jerry Reynolds provided input with stating that younger golf staff not e on a late closing shift. Even if there is a rule some golfers still might not follow, and staff would need to go out and get them anyway. Jerry thinks it is more of a staff and scheduling issue. Bryan assured Commissioners that he reviews expectations, sports, vacations, and various shifts when interviewing. Steve Cheesman suggested a sign at the desk stating “Please have carts in by dusk” as a reminder. Elizabeth then provided an overview to be open Sunrise to Sunset, a courtesy sign to return carts and take into consideration staff that is working late. Commissioners would like it to be dusk to dawn. It was agreed to maintain dusk to dawn hours. Elizabeth thanked all for their opinions and suggestions.

New Business: None 

Citizen Comments: Guest, Tom Webber, explained that Hole #7 is too hard for guys in their late 60’s and 70’s to reach, and it is a Par 4. Commissioners were reminded that a Sr. and Ladies Tee was built a few years ago. Tom would like to have #7 moved back to start at the fairway like Hole #13. Tom wants this for women and senior players and suggested building another tee. Jerry mentioned that last year or a prior year there was some discussion on this very topic and that Don Miles and Matt Miles were going to try to figure out a plan to add a Sr. / Ladies Tee Box. Bryan suggested to edge the Tee to the fairway about 80 yards. Don explained the need to keep it close to the fairway, or irrigation would be needed. He suggested keeping it closer to the fairway so the sprinkler system can hit it. Perhaps bringing back off the edge of the fairway. The one on #13 does get covered by the sprinkler.

Bryan suggested looking at creating a longer Tee on Hold #3, which Rodney Bunch has also mentioned. Don will look at these holes to see what could possible be done, outside of adding dirt and seed.

Tom suggested moving the tee ½ to the start. Extending the 7th Tee was also suggested but this would be problem since it needs built where the fairway sprinklers can reach.

November 22, 2022 will be the last meeting of the year, at 4:00 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.

https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Golf%20Advisory/2022/Golf%20Advisory%20Commission%20Minutes%2010252022.pdf