City golf course sets winter rates

The Dyersburg Municipal Golf Course will offer seasonal rates this winter after a joint committee meeting Nov. 6 in the conference room at the golf course.

Members of the Recreation and Finance committees approved a recommendation by DMGC Superintendent and Manager Bobby Baker to lower rates for area golfers throughout the winter. Aldermen were also given a wish list from the enthusiastic Baker, who was has managed the golf course since May 30, 2009.

"Bobby just wanted us to get together to discuss the winter rates and some ideas he has," said Dyersburg Mayor John Holden as he introduced Baker to aldermen present at the meeting.

"I would like to try to get more people out here in our slower months," said Baker. "I believe this rate would be favorable for our winter months. If we reduce our rates, I feel like we will draw golfers from all over the area."

Alderman Dennis Moody was the only member of the Recreation Committee present at the meeting, with Holden stating that Chairman Shannon Walker was out of town and Bart Williams - a teacher in the city school system - had other obligations.

The Finance Committee was represented by Chairman Lewis Norman and Kevin Chaney. Holden said that Finance Committee member Bob Kirk was also out of town.

Also at the meeting were City Recorder Gleyn Twilla, City Treasurer Steve Anderson and City Purchasing Agent Greg Williams.

Baker presented each committee member with a packet with information on the golf course, the requested new winter rates and a wish list of future projects.

"During the period of Nov. 1 through March 14, 2010, as a trial, we would like to use a fall and winter discount rate based on our current nine-hole green fee rates and cart rental fees," said Baker in the letter. "Therefore, golfers would be able to play 18 holes, if daylight hours permitted them to play for $10."

Instead of charging a green fee, cart fee and trail fee, Baker proposed the city charge a flat $20 rate for two golfers to share a city cart during the winter months. Individual golfers can golf 18 holes with a city cart for $11. Other rates will be adjusted accordingly. The fees will be effective through March 13, 2010. Spring and summer rates will go back into effect on March 14, 2010.

Baker also suggested altering cart fees from a flat $3 fee to $2 for nine holes and $4 for 18 holes. He requested changing the fees when daylight-saving time returns in March.

Norman moved to allow Baker to change to winter rates immediately and amend cart path fees effective March 14. Chaney added a second and the motion passed unanimously.

Baker's wish list for future projects at the golf course include:

* cart path repairs

* additional cart storage building for personal and city carts

* repairs to existing city cart storage buildings and private storage buildings

* course repairs of greens and fairways with necessary supplies and equipment

* the addition of an ATM machine or debit/credit card accessibility

* annual membership fees for green fees, cart fees and trail fees

* additional maintenance personnel

Committee members learned that Baker has added consignment items including used clubs and new items in the city course's Pro Shop. Baker also charges high school teams only $5 for team members to play or practice on the city course.

Aldermen also discussed adding a machine for debit and credit cards or installing an ATM machine at the golf course, with Holden stating the city would look into the cost of adding some sort of credit/debit machine.

Baker was asked to look into the cost of adding another cart-storage building after he reported many local residents have expressed an interest in housing their carts at the city course.