I don’t know what the figure is as far as how many people support Pebble Creek Golf Course in this community as opposed to those who don’t, but when all one constantly hears in the public is negative talk, those in opposition must be in the majority, right?

 

How else could it be? Are those who support the golf course just staying silent, hoping the issue works itself out in the long run? Are supporters afraid they might offend the ones who verbally trash the golf course on a weekly basis?

 

I wonder if the majority of people in this community actually realize the truths behind the golf course.

 

One truth is the fact that for a homeowner in Becker whose home’s market value is $107,000, that homeowner is paying $3.63 annually to have a golf course in their community. Think about that. Three dollars and sixty-three cents versus $16.64 for the fire department, $38.41 for police, $80.15 for public works, $23.23 for the community parks and recreation and $26.58 for the community center.

Okay, maybe your home is valued higher than $107,000.

 

For a home valued at $208,000 — the amount you are paying in property taxes for the golf course is $8.70 a year. Again, that is in comparison to nearly $40 for the fire department, $92 for the police, $56 for the parks, $192 for public works and $64 for the BCC.

 

In my opinion, $8.70 a year is pittance to pay for a facility that is an incredible asset for the city, whether or not one ever  picks up a nine iron, sets foot on the manicured lawns or grabs a bite to eat in the grill.

 

So why are the balkers always getting their voices heard? Why is that all we are hearing in the papers and on the news? 

 

Ever hear of the phrase, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease?”

 

Let’s see, how else does the golf course benefit this community?

 

Well, they allow Becker and Big Lake High School athletes to play and practice at the facility for their golf seasons (I’d pay $9 a year to support my local high school’s athletic program). The course is also used by the cross country team for competitions in the fall.

 

Golf Pro Troy Malo does an incredible job bringing in corporate tournaments that in most cases make huge donations to worthy causes. 

 

Coborn’s Grocery holds their annual golf tournament (Grocers on the Green) at Pebble Creek and raises more than $196,000 towards pediatric cancer.

 

Xcel Energy (Sherco) holds their annual golf scramble at Pebble Creek in which they raise money for the United Way (over $70,000 last year).

 

Last year, nearly 140 golfers from all over the state participated in the Sherburne County Area United Way golf tournament at Pebble Creek with proceeds going to the local United Way.

 

Last June, Pebble Creek hosted the 19th annual Corky Peters Memorial Golf Classic benefitting The Arc United — an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

 

Marco held their 16th Annual Employee Appreciation Golf Outing last year at Pebble Creek, bringing in revenue to the city. For years, Pebble Creek has hosted a fundraiser for Hope Center — a camp in the Ukraine benefitting orphans and other disadvantaged children from Ukrainian villages — organized by Barry Fluth of Big Lake.

 

In July of every summer, the Minnesota Rural Electric Association holds their annual golf tournament to provide relief for the families of burn victims.

 

This summer, Pebble Creek wil, be hosting a U.S. Open Section Qualifier for women from all over the country and annually Pebble Creek also accommodates the Becker volleyball team and hockey association for fundraisers to benefit local charities.

 

So you see, yes the golf course is not self-sustaining and results in a cost to the city to run it. But isn’t $4-9 a year worth all the good it is doing in the area? Shouldn’t one feel good  that for $4-9 a year, one is helping other companies raise money for local and global charities?

 

I think a lot of people who “dis” the golf course think the people who associate with the golf course are “elitists” — people who have a higher social status than them and since they aren’t as entitled, it’s only fair that nobody should enjoy its merit. That’s so very far from the truth. This golf course benefits everyone in this community and thousands others who know nothing of Becker. That in itself is a huge boon to this community.

 

Should the city be in business this way? That’s an argument where only one side of the truth gets told. There are hundreds and thousand of cities throughout the country that run good municipal businesses (one is eight miles down the road in Big Lake). Isn’t a business the city runs that benefits so many of the unfortunate worth it?

 

For $4-9 a year?

 

Thank you Steve (you know who you are) for steering me in my quest to provide facts and truths. I just hope this writing opens people’s minds, hearts and mouths about the validity of Pebble Creek.