At one of last year’s golf committee meetings, a member suggested Pebble Creek reduce the rates for golfing on the Local 9 to see what kind of outcome they’d have.

 

As of this last week, the blue course(Local 9) has been reporting increased rounds and revenue so far this season that is bringing a smile to many people’s faces.

 

However, it’s still too early to consider the experient  a complete success, said Golf Pro Troy Malo.

 

“We are optimistic, but we still have to take into consideration other factors,” he said.

 

One of those factors is the reality the Local 9 was open in the month of March due to pleasant weather while the rest of area golf courses were still prepping for the new season.

 

Malo reports the Local 9 revenue is up by around $5,000 compared to last year at this time, which equaled a 15% increase of play after slashing prices by 33%.

 

“We went from $15 for adults and $7 for kids last year to $10 for adults and $5 for kids this year,” said Malo. “Season pass holders got a $200 cut from $450 to $250 and all that led to increased play while providing an incredible value.”

 

Malo says the Local 9 attracts a different demographic with the options it has for regular golf, foot golf and fling golf.

 

“The Local 9 is very laid back and the pace of play is usually one-and-a-half hours to two,” Malo said. “That’s what these types of golfers want. They want options and they don’t want to spend an entire day on the golf course.”

 

With the reduced rates and reduced time to play, the Local 9 also has reduced maintenance to keep the costs down. Malo said his staff has reduced the size of some tee boxes, stopped raking the bunkers and are mowing the grass less frequently.

 

Despite what looks like a successful experiment with the Local 9, Malo is hesitant to say it can work on the championship side of the golf course.

 

“Everything we do around here is based on the green fee rates,” he said. So if we slash the green fee rates, we have to slash other areas of operation  like the maintenance and events. Also, with the federally mandated affordable care act and minimum wage, our  expenses just keep going up.”

 

Those numbers can be seen in June’s expense and revenue report where Malo says last year the golf course’s revenue for June was $464,000 while this year it is at $539,000. However, last year’s expenses were at $573,000 while this year it has climbed to $653,000.

 

“Our food and beverage is doing well and is up about $15,000 from last year,” said Malo. “I’m very optimistic we will be in a cash-positive position by the end of the year.”

 

All decisions on golf rates, staffing, improvements, funding and expenses are made by city council.