A New Beginning for Bobby Jones Golf Club
A municipal golf course in Bradenton, Florida, has the potential to shine even brighter in the near future following the complete overhaul of its sister course. The Sarasota-owned Bobby Jones Golf Club is set to host a grand reopening celebration on Dec. 15, with the first tee times starting the following day. As part of the reopening, city residents will now receive a generous 40% discount on golfing at the 18-hole Donald Ross-designed course, as opposed to the previously discussed 10% discount. The City Commission made this decision when officials set the facilities prices in October.
Competition and Productivity: The Challenge for River Run Golf Links
While the Bobby Jones Golf Club prepares for its grand reopening, the owners of the popular River Run Golf Links in nearby Bradenton are faced with the challenge of staying competitive and productive in the future. River Run has experienced an increase in rounds played in recent years, and the net income of the property, which is conveniently located near the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training facility, has also been on the rise.
However, the question remains: should Bradenton officials take a proactive approach to River Run in order to avoid the need for a similar renovation as Bobby Jones? A story published by the Community News Collaborative in the Sarasota Tribune-Herald detailed the recommendations of a consulting firm regarding the future of River Run Golf Links. The firm believes that certain upgrades and price adjustments are necessary to ensure the course remains viable. Additionally, they offer suggestions for a potential rebuild that could help River Run better compete with its revamped neighbor.
Consulting Firm Recommendations
The consulting firm, National Golf Foundation Consulting Inc., evaluated River Run and provided recommendations for city leaders. These recommendations included upgrades and price adjustments, although city leaders expressed caution towards these suggestions back in November.
In their 92-page report, National Golf Foundation Consulting Inc. provided an overview of the course, analyzed the local market and financials, and proposed five projects totaling approximately $600,000. The report referred to all but one of these projects as “mission critical.” It also discussed long-term, more expensive projects such as the construction of an adjacent practice range and the rebuilding of the entire course.
Mayor Gene Brown expressed satisfaction with the report and the resulting discussions, stating that he believed the $24,000 spent on the report was worthwhile.
Pricing Adjustments for River Run
The NGF report suggests that the rates at River Run could potentially be raised for out-of-town golfers in order to help fund the recommended enhancements. Currently, Sarasota’s fee schedule ranges from about $70 to $124 during the winter season, with city residents receiving a 40% discount. In contrast, rates at River Run from November to late April range from $38.32 to $54.21.
The report also proposes considering a slightly higher fee or implementing a dynamic pricing system that takes into account demand at any given moment, similar to how airlines sell tickets. The consultants believe that there is room to maintain the profile of golfers who seek affordable options while offering opportunities to increase price points and generate additional revenue.
The Need for a Major Overhaul
As River Run ages, the quick fixes recommended by the consulting firm may not be sufficient in the long run. The NGF report highlights that the age of the golf course’s components will eventually require a major overhaul. The current conditions of the course are sub-par by industry standards, particularly in terms of the turfgrass from tee to green. The report predicts that as time goes on, it will become increasingly difficult for the maintenance staff to provide an adequate amount and quality of turf for players. This may result in golfers seeking alternative courses to play, despite River Run’s affordability.
The cost of a major rebuild could reach as high as $7.25 million, according to the report. While lesser alternatives were also mentioned, caution is advised regardless of the chosen path forward. Bradenton officials must prioritize being good stewards of the available funds and address the existing half-a-million dollar debt before making any drastic changes to pricing that might discourage golfers from playing at River Run.
In conclusion, the future of River Run Golf Links in Bradenton is at a crossroads. As the neighboring Bobby Jones Golf Club undergoes a complete overhaul and prepares for its grand reopening, the owners of River Run must carefully consider the recommendations of the consulting firm to ensure the course remains competitive and feasible. Whether through upgrades, pricing adjustments, or even a potential rebuild, it is crucial for Bradenton officials to make informed decisions that prioritize the long-term success of River Run Golf Links.
By: Golfweek
Title: Renovation and Competition: The Future of River Run Golf Links in Bradenton
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/12/05/florida-municipal-course-might-get-renovations/
Published Date: Tue, 05 Dec 2023 20:30:51 +0000
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