Galesburg Reporter

City of Galesburg Golf Advisory Commission met May 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Meeting Called to Order: Meeting was called to order at 4:08 p.m. by Chairman, David Selkirk

Roll Call:

Present: Rodney Bunch, Jerry Reynolds, Paul Sandborg, David Selkirk

City of Galesburg:

Alderman – Steve Cheesman, Parks Superintendent- Don Miles, Greenkeeper-Matt Miles Absent: Golf Professional -Bryan Luedtke,

Minutes: April 2023 minutes were approved with motions from Paul Sandborg and Jerry Reynolds.

Everyone welcomed Stan Devlin to the Golf Commission, as well as Steve Cheeman, in his new role of representing the City Council.

Greenskeeper Report:

Greenkeeper, Matt Miles, reported on maintenance of the golf course, with many compliments of how great the greens look and added that out of town guests have noted this as well. There has been a surge of grass growth from the heat and the rain, keeping the staff quite busy. There were also some unexpected equipment issues, requiring additional repair time. Routine treatment applications to the turfgrass have started to maintain the health of the course. Commissioners also liked the extra tree on #7. There was discussion on moving the tee to the right.

Golf Professional Report:

David Selkirk provided the Golf Professional Report in absence of Golf Professional, Bryan Luedtke. A review of April was provided showing that there was a record number of rounds, 3,175 played in that month. Stan clarified that any time nine holes are played this is entered in the computer as a full golf rounds, which was asked by Paul. There was $105,341 in total revenue with the weather and increase in fees assisting. Merchandise, food and beverage sales are picking up for the season as well. Alderman, Steve Cheesman, inquired on the scheduling of outing back-to-back and how this might affect our regular season golf patrons and leagues. He would like to ensure we are following the rules of players and outings. Park Superintendent, Don Miles, explained that there used to be rules that did not allow the back-to-back outings on consecutive weekends and days but not at this time. Don and Elizabeth will discuss this with Bryan to ensure we are following good practices for all players.

Bunker Links hosted 108 players for the Spring Shamble with $1,080 in credit paid out onto their account. The Golf Pro Shop staff did a great job handling this record number of players for this event, and the many positive comments were provided that the golf course was in great shape. (KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK EVERYONE!)

May has been a busy month for outings, including the Jeppie Memorial Golf Outing with 60 players, and other groups to include the Gilson and McClintock groups. Weekday golf leagues have started, with new commissioner, Stan Devlin, reporting that they are going well. Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner, inquired on youth golf lesson and league sign up. David Selkirk stated that youth golf lessons are being planned.

New range balls are out and look great.

Additional discussion included the need to consider future capital improvement items. The consensus was that the drainage was the number one concern. Director of Parks and Recreation, Elizabeth Varner, stated that now is the time to consider budget items and encouraged Commissioners to share this with Bryan so he can discuss this with Parks Superintendent, Don Miles, who prepares the budget.

Commissioners asked about the potential grants that could be applied to the golf course. Elizabeth will investigate this.

Old Business: Rodney Bunch has been on the greens and felt they are in excellent shape. He expressed concern regarding the tees and would still like to see #10 and #14 moved back. Don explained that not having irrigation is an issue, while Paul and Jerry had a concern regarding safety. Don explained that a new tee was not installed on #7, but that the grass was mowed to shorten the tee down to try it out. Steve added that none of the schools have used the black tee, and Stan has not heard of any issues. Discussions included how the trends have changed, and there are other projects that are needed at this time.

New Business:

There was no new business. Elizabeth asked each Commissioner how they feel Bunker Links operations are going. Dave stated everything is great. Steve stated Bunker Links is in better condition and that Matt continues to do a good job. Matt explained that he is following Bryan’s in settings, which Steve asked about. Rodney and Paul stated everything is excellent. Jerry spoke positively about groups wanting to come to Bunker Links, using the Sand Trappers now come twice a year which speaks highly for our course. Stan had a gentleman come in this week that stated, “Wow, this is a beautiful course”, but did comment on the ball marks on the greens. Elizabeth stated that the Golf Pro Shop and maintenance staff do a great job, and to keep it up.

Public Comments: None

Meeting Adjourned: 5:00 p.m.

https://cms7files.revize.com/galesburg/Document_Center/Agendas%20and%20Minutes/Golf%20Advisory/2023/Golf%20Commission%20Minutes%20052323.pdf