To steal a term from social media, golf has suddenly become a trending topic in Scurry County. But in this case, it’s not being driven by automated bots or un-named, foreign conspirators. Instead, it’s local folks that many of you know and the stories have been reported in your local newspaper.
Scurry County has struggled with a solution for its golf course situation since it found itself owning and operating one several years ago. As I’ve written before, I’m a golfer and at one time was a dues-paying member at the county’s course. I enjoy both it and the Sammy Baugh Golf Course at Western Texas College, although I don’t play either of them as often as I should. Both are among the best 9-hole public courses in the state, according to numerous surveys.
The situation at the county course has been in flux for years, first with the country club building and then with the outside company hired to run the course. Having the management company’s experience was a plus, but years of hands-off management at the county level contributed to a drop in their performance and ultimately that relationship was severed.
As the county goes through the process of selling the former country club building, and its restaurant, I hope they will ensure golfers still have plenty of access to parking — which isn’t normally a problem but for big golf tournaments can be — and whatever restroom, pro shop and other facilities they need.
The question of whether Snyder and Scurry County need two public golf courses is a valid one, but as long as the demand and facilities are already there, I’m of the belief that two is better than one. As soon as an objective measure like number of rounds played falls below reasonable levels, though, tough decisions will need to be made.
Which raises the question of do we need a resort course in Scurry County? It’s another valid question, but far different than what’s being asked of the two public courses. As long as the resort course remains a private business, without taxpayer support, I don’t see any harm in it and think if completed would actually do some good for the economy here.
While most resort golf courses cost between $20 and $40 million to build, Sand Hills Golf Club — the course that Bill Robertson referred to when speaking with the Board of County Development about a feasibility study — reportedly cost just $1.2 million to finish due to the natural features and minimalistic design elements required at the site.
In order to add the amenities needed to make the course a tourist destination, though, Robertson and investors should expect to spend several million more. But if it turns out that Mother Nature has blessed the Windmill Ranch Preserve with terrain similar to what designers found in Mullen, Neb., the costs of building the course might not be as prohibitive as a typical resort course.
When Robertson talks about tourists boosting the economy, he’s spot on. Invite them in, give them something to do, take their money and send them home. It’s a proven and successful economic model — but that part about “give them something to do” is often the sticking point.
And golf course expenses don’t end with construction. Andrews County recently received a recommendation that it needs to spend between $5 and $6 million on golf course renovations. That’s in addition to the course’s annual $400,000 to $500,000 operating deficit. The county is seeking outside funding — all public — to help cover those expenses.
It’s those ongoing expenses that will ultimately determine the success or failure of a golf course, just like other businesses. A former college president with ties to Snyder used to say something along the lines of, “It’s pretty easy to raise money to pay for a building (or golf course). Finding someone to pay to replace the light bulbs is a lot more difficult.”
Good advice to remember from the outset.
Bill Crist is the publisher of the Snyder Daily News. Email comments to publisher@snyderdailynews.com.