Hidden Cove Golf Course To Remain Open, But Clubhouse Closed Due To Budget Woes

By Linda Kor
   In an effort to retain quality of life standard in Holbrook, City Manager Ray Alley has made the decision to continue the operations at the golf course, but the clubhouse will be closing.
   “There’s just been a lot of rumors flying that we’re closing the golf course and that’s simply not true,” stated Alley. While anyone concerned about being denied their nine or eighteen holes of golf will breath a sigh of relief, the budget crisis still demands some cuts be made.
   As a result, the clubhouse will be shut down, the liquor license will be canceled and one full-time and two part-time employees will lose their jobs.
   “The golf course is a necessary part of the quality of life in Holbrook. But the clubhouse just doesn’t produce enough revenue to justify the expense,” explained Alley.
   While the figures still need to be narrowed down to specific dollar amounts, Alley believes that closing the clubhouse will result in significant savings.
   According to the fiscal year 2010 budget, the savings in payroll alone comes to over $95,000. Additional savings would also include reduction in utility costs, janitorial supplies and supplies for the kitchen.
   What Alley intends to do is install two vending machines that would allow golfers to not only purchase snacks and drinks, but would also allow them to purchase their golf game and cart rental.
   “Those machines will allow the golfer to purchase, say nine holes of golf, and produce a colored tag kind of like the forest service does for campers,” explained Alley.
   The Men’s Association has stepped up and offered to monitor the grounds during business hours to ensure that all carts are tagged to show purchase. In return, the city will provide the association with two annual memberships free of charge. The city will take care of all vending proceeds and continue grounds maintenance for the course.
   “The new lowered rates will still be available for the next six months to encourage more golfing at the course,” stated Alley.
   Although there has been discussion of allowing a private company or individual to operate the clubhouse, Alley would like to see some immediate results that will cut down on expenses and still provide for the needs in the community.