With a successful Golf Expo behind him, golf operations director Phillip Wright is looking ahead to Golf Fest. It will be the second annual event when it takes place April 14 at the Tanyard Creek Practice Center, Wright told the Joint Advisory Committee on Golf at last week's monthly meeting.
The Golf Expo on March 1 was open to POA members, who could sign up for one of the many golf groups. Wright said there were up to 100 new golfers signed up this year. In the past, the pro shops filled part of Riordan Hall with clearance merchandise during the Expo. This year, because of more careful ordering, there was very little clearance merchandise to sell.
"It looks promising," Wright said about the groups.
The Golf Fest is open to both members and guests. Wright invites vendors who bring their newest equipment for demonstration. All the Bella Vista golf pros will be on hand as well.
He also reported that preparations for the professional golf tournament -- The APT -- also celebrating its second year, are going well. Sponsorships are selling quickly, he said.
Wright asked the committee to consider the addition of a late registration fee that would apply about three days before each tournament. Golfers waiting to see the weather forecast tend to register at the last minute, and that makes scheduling very difficult. The committee agreed.
The weather kept golf numbers low so far this year, said Darryl Muldoon, golf operations manager, as he discussed financials. Also, since the Country Club Pro Shop has been closed prior to moving into its new space, those numbers are down too. Annual memberships will probably increase as the weather warms, he said.
Weather also delayed the work on the bunkers at Dogwood, golf maintenance director Keith Ihms said. But that project is now finishing up.
General News on 03/21/2018