E-Mail
Print
tool name
close
Friday, Nov. 20, 2009
Modesto calls for golfer to save municipal course
Golfers who want Modesto's Municipal Golf Course to survive a sub-par city budget should hit the fairway.
If the city can take in enough revenue from green fees, it won't have to consider closing the nine-hole Muni course, said Julie Hannon, director of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods.
The city is trying to make up a $300,000 shortfall in its golf fund this budget year. To help hit itself out of the financial sand trap, Modesto raised fees July 1 at Muni and its two 18-hole courses, Dryden and Creekside.
Now a weekday round at Muni costs $17.50, up from $13. A weekend round at Creekside costs $31.50, up from $29.50.
So far, the fee boost has helped the city take in an extra $24,230 in green fees. But the city needs more than that to fill in the holes in its golf budget.
"Golf more!" Hannon said. "Our maintenance costs are what they are. If we can get the rounds up, then we'll be in better shape."
Last month, the City Council approved cuts at all three courses to save $102,715. The city is putting off buying new equipment such as tractors and sprayers and reducing tree maintenance, among other cost-cutting measures.
In January, Hannon will bring another menu of possible golf cuts to the City Council's Finance Committee. Options include closing Muni and hiking fees again, Hannon said. The city might consider keeping Muni partially open for the First Tee youth golf program.
Golfers teeing up at Muni Wednesday afternoon said they didn't mind this year's fee increase and hadn't noticed a dropoff in maintenance.
Course's advantages Closing the course would be a loss, they said, adding that Muni has many advantages: It's a convenient walk-on course close to home, said Jason Flores.
Golfers don't have to schedule tee times and there's no membership fees, said Ruben Martinez.
Flat and easy to walk, it's ideal for senior players, said Mike Kiyoi.
"I'd hate to see it close," said Cliff Hutsell, 52, a driver in his hand.
He plays at Muni two or three times a week. It's only nine holes, and he easily can squeeze in a round after he leaves work in the early afternoon.
A few rules are needed to help foster a feeling of community. We encourage a free, CIVIL and open exchange of ideas in a climate of mutual respect, but any post that violates someone's right to use and enjoy mercedsunstar.com is prohibited. Before you post, please read the terms of use and obey these simple guidelines. Here are the ground rules:
1. Be yourself. A nickname will be used for posts, but if an editor finds a user without a verifiable name , that user will be warned or banned.
2. Keep it clean. Foul language (defined by prime-time standards) will not be tolerated. Neither will the intentional misspelling of foul language or the use of non-English curse words.
3. Be truthful. Do not lie or link to sites that may be considered libelous, defamatory or false.
4. Be nice. Don't harass anyone. Don't threaten anyone. Don't use racial slurs. Don't post anything sexually explicit.
5. Be an individual. Do not advertise or solicit. Do not harvest any information for business use.
6. Be original. Do not post copyrighted material.
7. Follow the law. Don't do anything or post anything considered illegal by city, county, state or federal regulations and laws.
On most news stories, the commenting period is closed after three days. If you wish to continue a discussion, please use The Sunspot forum.
@Nyx.CommentBody@