Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Golf Advisory Commission met March 28

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: Steve Cheesman, Paul Sandborg, David Selkirk

City of Galesburg:

Alderman - Bradley Hix, Director of Parks and Recreation - Elizabeth Varner, Parks Superintendent- Don Miles, Head Golf Professional -Bryan Luedtke, Greenskeeper-Matt Miles Absent: Rodney Bunch, Jerry Reynolds

Minutes: November 2022 minutes were approved with motions from Steve Cheesman and Paul Sandborg.

Greenskeeper Report:

Greenskeeper, Matt Miles, provided a report to the commission. Aeration of the rough out to the tree line, around the greens and the high cart traffic areas were completed prior to the end of 2022. Golf equipment received winter maintenance and repairs in preparation for the 2023 season. Tree removals were performed on holes #3, #5, #8 and #13 with the stumps having been grounded. Additional dirt work and seeding will be done this season. Tree trimming has been accomplished throughout the course. The focus was on young trees, evergreen trees and trees that overhung on tee and green surfaces. Matt has ordered and restocked materials for the 2023 golf season. Maintenance was performed and additional sand was added to the bunkers in March. Golf accessories such as tee markers, trash baskets and ball washers had a new coat of paint applied. Winter and spring course clean up has bee on-going due to the strong winds. The fairways and tees have been rolled twice, with greens being rolled an mowed several times in March. Tee markers will be in place for April 1, 2023. The greens have had the groomer units operating in two directions to remove dead material and help stimulate new growth. Certain areas in the rough have been roped off and seeded to establish turfgrass.

Other areas of work have included shifting the start of #16 fairway over to the left to accommodate the customers that used the forward tee. New signage has been installed on holes #1, #3, #10, #112, #15, and #17 to remind patrons to remain on the cart paths. Staff is also planning to determine what the sprinkler head coverage would be if the a temporary forward tee surface was cut before the fairway on hole #7. Staff will be reviewing this when the irrigation system is back in operation.

Golf Professional Report:

Golf Professional, Bryan Luedtke provided a report to the commission with a recap of the 2022 Golf Season from the November meeting. Revenue total was $625,979 without an increase in golf rates for 2022. Other totals include 29,144 total rounds played, 323 total season passes sold, with an 8% increase in tournament participation and 66% increase in golf outing participation.

March merchandise sales are off to a good start. Bryan is looking into Spark Golf, which is an on-line golf league used more in bigger cities. Golfers would meet up online and then meet at the golf course. PGA Jr. League is being started with Iowa GPA and JR at Lake Bracken. Soangetaha, Lake Bracken, Bunker Links and Macomb are trying this. It does require 8 Junior for Bunker Links to participate. Bunker Links will combine with Lake Bracken if participation is low. This is for a 13 and under league.

Seasonal staff is being trained, with many being younger which may equate to lower turnover and having staff work longer. He stated that hiring is always a puzzle when considering hours and days staff are able to work. The first event of the year is the Masters Pool, which has 40 registered and should bring in $15,000 revenue. There were 42 registered last year so it is almost full. The average number of golf rounds in March has been 675, with over 600 played as of today.

Bryan announced that he was officially on the alternate list for the Sr. PGA in Texas. He plans to take vacation in May and attend the event. He will have the benefits of playing on the practice range and may get to play in the tournament if his name is called.

During the winter the annual POS computer upgrade was completed with the addition of new items to the menu. Bryan obtained the Titleist Golf Ball Product Certification and Club Fitting Certification. Golf outings that have been reserved include the IOWA PGA Junior Classic, Fireman’s Outing, Shotting Starts, Abingdon Legion, and the Knoxville Legion. He anticipates Knox County Crush and the Elks Club scheduling outings as well. A new outing has been scheduled for Saturday, June 24 for Smart TD with 92 players. This is with the Railroad Union and should be a big day. Additional winter projects included adding speakers for surround sound music in the clubhouse and patio area, carpet and tile cleaning and city website updates. This included information-based updates with a more modern look showing a tournament calendar, new rates, and pictures.

Old Business: None

New Business:

Bryan asked about an additional fee for use of a credit card vs. no fee for a check when purchasing season passes. Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner found out that the city does not charge a convenience fee for using a credit card from the Finance Director. Alderman Bradley Hix stated it would not be enough to be worth it. Commissioners agreed.

Bryan asked if there should be an April Golf Special. The consensus was that it was good advertising. Matt will be aerating the 2nd to last Tuesday so a discount is good for April 1-23, 2023.

There were tourism suggestions with Bradley mentioning a Golf Weekend package. Elizabeth also mentioned that Bunker Links and Lake Storey Park are two of the top attractions for visitors according to Tourism.

Parks Superintendent, Don Miles, will be getting a locate scheduled for installation of the Eagle Eye Camera. There is currently boring being done so utilities need to be marked.

Commissioner, Paul Sandborg, wanted ideas on golfers that wish to establish handicaps. Bryan stated that a minimum number of p layers is needed in the system to be able to get a handicap status. He has put out email blasts over the years asking for individuals interested but has not had much interest, especially since there is no league played with a handicap. Bryan will see if there is interest again. Golf

Commission Chair, Dave Selkirk, inquired if Bunker would use handicaps for events. Bryan explained that Bunker Links has golfers flighted by score, and this would make everyone equal, so it would not be used.

Upcoming Events:

Additional Information: Dave shared an article and some news clipping a lady gave him. Elizabeth will make copies for him and share with the Commissioners. Dave is having surgery on Thursday, so the Golf Commission wishes him well.

Meeting Adjourned: 4:52 p.m.

https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Golf%20Advisory/2023/Golf%20Commission%20Minutes%20032823.pdf