Gallatin Golf Course
I.
Golf Course Overview
The Long Hollow Golf Course, a municipal golf course, contains an 18-hole regulation
golf course as well as a driving range, outdoor pavilion, 9th hole snack shop and a
clubhouse containing full access snack/lunch bar and a golf shop. The Golf Course
is very well maintained. The course contains 180 acres, and a public 18-hole golf course
with two lakes of 6.5 acres and .5 acres. Every day, 200 - 300 people pass through the
golf course. Typically, golf course revenues are sufficient to meet operating non debt
expenditures.
There are five full-time regular employees and three part-time seasonal employees
devoted to grounds maintenance. Grounds maintenance involves mowing, irrigation,
fertilizing, equipment maintenance, pump station and lift station maintenance. The
Golf Course Superintendent and a Clubhouse Manager work very well together
managing the day-to-day operations of the golf course. The Clubhouse Manager is also a
certified PGA Instructor. The Golf Course has eight full-time employees and 18
part-time employees. The Golf Course reports to the Gallatin Golf Commission.
The staff of eight (8) full-time employees of the Long Hollow Municipal Golf Course
promotes the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and contributes to its
growth by providing outstanding customer service as well as quality programs. It
continuously elevates the standards of these programs and stimulates interest in the game
of golf by promoting Long Hollow Municipal Golf Course as a premier facility in
Sumner County. The day-to-day responsibility of the golf course is divided appropriately
by the Clubhouse Manager and Golf Course Superintendent.
The Golf Course Clubhouse Manager who is a certified PGA Instructor oversees the Golf
Shop, Professional Instruction, Food & Beverage, Marketing & Tournaments and
Finance and Administration operations. The Golf Shop consists of a Clubhouse Assistant
Manager who is also a certified PGA Instructor and assists the Clubhouse Manager in the
day-to-day operations of the Long Hollow Golf Course. The Clubhouse Assistant
supervises the seasonal workers in the clubhouse. The Clubhouse Assistant also serves as
a starter and assists in day-to-day operations of the golf course. The Golf Course
Clubhouse houses the snack bar and golf shop. The carpeting is relatively new.
The Golf Course Superintendent directs all activities of the maintenance of the golf
course. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Golf Commission.
Supervision is exercised. This position directs the assistant superintendent, 1 equipment
mechanic, 4 full-time groundskeepers, 2 part-time and 2 seasonal golf course employees.
The groundskeepers are well cross trained in the various functions of golf course
maintenance.
GALLATIN GOLF ORGANIZATION CHART
Mayor/City Council
Golf Committee
Clubhouse Manager
Functions –
Pro Golf Shop
Merchandise
Food/Carts
Golf Course Supt.
Golf Course
Maintenance
Crew Leader
Clubhouse Asst. Manager
Equipment Technician
Clubhouse Assistant
Groundskeeper
The Golf Commission was established by the City of Gallatin for the purpose of taking
and having supervision and control of the construction, maintenance, operation and
improvement of the Gallatin Long Hollow Golf Course. The golf commission is
composed of five (5) persons active in and knowledgeable of golfing activities and they
are appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council for five-year terms or until
successors are appointed, except the members first appointed shall be appointed for such
terms that the term of one (1) member shall expire annually thereafter. Members of the
commission may be reappointed as their terms come to an end. Any vacancies that occur
shall be filled for the balance of the term in the same manner as original appointments by
the mayor and council.
Revenues for the Golf Course in fiscal year ending 2006 were $709,746. Actual
expenditures for the same fiscal year were $911,903. This was a net loss of slightly more
than $202,157. The total regulation rounds played for the same fiscal year was 44,091.
Based on these figures, the Golf Course generated only an average of $16.10
(709,746/44,091) in revenue per round while the average cost to support a round was
$20.68 per round (911,903/44,091). In other words, the Golf Course is losing $4.58 per
round played for fiscal year ending 2006. Although the Long Hollow Golf Course is a
municipal community asset, the Golf Course Committee should come up with measures
to increase the revenue per round generated by golfers. This can be accomplished by:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Restructuring the membership fees;
Selling more golf related inventory in the clubhouse;
Selling more food and beverage;
Generating more tournament play;
Increasing fees for outside city residents; and
Differentiating the basis of counting a round i.e. – 9 holes/18 holes.
The staff at the Long Hollow Golf Course has kept the operating costs as efficient as
possible. Revenues also need to be examined to be able to place monies aside for capital
improvements.
As of May 31, 2007, the year to date expenditures for the Driving Range’s operating
supplies had exceeded the budgeted amount by nearly $2,000. This should be examined
and appropriate budgetary amendments should be implemented. Also, the 2006-2007
year to date expenditures for cost of golf supplies sold is $5,800 over budget. This should
mean that revenue sales should also exceed budgeted amounts which would be an offset
to the increased expenditures for that category. Repair and Maintenance – Buildings for
the Clubhouse also has exceeded budget by nearly $1500. All other clubhouse operating
expenses are on targeted budgeted levels.
As of May 31, 2007, Repair and Maintenance costs for the golf course irrigation system
exceeded the original budgeted amount by $ 2,200. All other golf course operating
expenditures are projected to come in slightly less than the original amount. After 11
months out of 12 months (11/12 =91.7%), the total expenses for the golf course operating
is only 87% of the total budget of $460,659. During the 2006-2007 fiscal year, the Long
Hollow Golf Course spent nearly $53,000 for capital improvements in the irrigation
system and $12,440 in greenway construction for golf carts. The total 2006-2007
budgeted amount for the municipal golf course fund (clubhouse + golf course) was set at
$1,020,808. After 11 months out of 12 months (11/12 =91.7%), the total expenses for the
municipal golf course fund is only $921,473 which is 90% of the appropriation.
Over the past several fiscal years, the golf course’s net assets have decreased. Several
factors have contributed to losses in the operation of the golf course:
1) Uncontrollable operational costs such as fuel and health insurance;
2) Market saturation because of area competing golf courses; and
3) Insufficient revenues.
The following pages contain a recent rate survey conducted by the MTAS Informational
Resources Department.
City-Owned Golf Courses A Telephone Survey Conducted by the MTAS Library
Cities/ Contacts
Does
When How was
Who is the
What are
your
was it it funded? administrator your green
city
built?
?
fees/cart fees
own a
for weekdays
golf
and
course
weekends?
?
Chattanooga
Larry Zehnder
(423) 757-5167
Send results also:
taylor_eddie@mail.chattanooga.go
v
Cleveland
Yes, 2
1926,
1975
1926,
Municipal
funding
1975,
Bond
Eddie Taylor,
Golf Course
Manager*
Yes
Front
9 in
1958,
Back 9
in
1964
1983
(forme
r
landfill
)
Informatio
n not
available
Wayne Miller,
General
Manager
Bond
(Course
pays
operating
costs.
Does not
cover debt
service
payment.)
Mickey Averitt,
Golf Pro*
Patti Petitt
(423) 479-4129
Ppetitt@
cityofclevelandtn.com
Gallatin
David Brown
(615) 451-5911
David.brown@
gallatinciviccenter.com
Yes
Weekdays:
$18
Weekends:
$23
Cart Fees:
$12 per golfer
Weekdays:$2
2
(Jr. Sr.) $18
Weekends:$2
6
Green Fees:
$10 per 9
holes
Cart Fees: $5
per person
per 9 holes
How
many
rounds
were
played
in fiscal
year
2006?
Brainerd
-29,350
Brown
Acres27,083
1250
(since
June)
60,000 9
hole
rounds
City-Owned Golf Courses A Telephone Survey Conducted by the MTAS Library
Gatlinburg Yes
1955
Information not
Rick Tucker, Golf December
Marty
available
Pro*
through
Nicely
March:
(865) 436WD: $38 WE:
4990
$48
April through
November:
WD: $47 WE:
$57
Jackson
Yes
Front 9 in
Land donated,
Bud Taylor,
Weekday:
Bud Taylor
1996, Back 9
grant for the rest Superintendent*
$30
(731) 425in 1997
Weekend:
8620
$36
Johnson
City
Tom
Alexander
(423) 2835815
Yes, 2
Pine Oaks,
1962
Buffalo Valley,
1969
Kingsport
Kitty
Frazier
(423) 2299457
Yes
(Marriott
manages)
An old course
that was
redesigned in
1998
Pine Oaks was
Urban Renewal
Project, Grant &
City Funds
Buffalo Valley
purchased by
City in 1993,
Special Revenue
Bond
Bond
Lee Campbell,
Director of Golf*
Mon. - Thurs.
$25
Fri. – Sun.
$30
(green fee
and cart fee
combined)
Pete DeBraal,
Director of Golf*
Weekend
$45
Weekday
$40
32,000
Keep record
by calendar
year.
Taylor out of
office until
11/13
Pine Oaks :
32,00038,000
Buffalo
Valley:
estimated at
24,000
25,000
City-Owned Golf Courses A Telephone Survey Conducted by the MTAS Library
Nashville
Yes, 7
1920s- 1970s
Some
Phil Luckett,
HH: WE:
Billy Lynch
Harpeth
some
donations, Superintendent $12.50
(615 )862-8700
Hills
reconstruction some
of Golf
WD:
Billy.lynch@nashville.gov McCabe
in 1993,
Metro
Operations for
$11.50
Ted
upcoming
Parks &
Metro Parks*
MC, Te,
Rhodes
redesigns for
Rec.
TR:
Shelby
inner city
allocations
WE: $11
Two
youth course
WD: $10
Rivers
PW: WE:
Percy
$10.50
Warner
WD: $9.50
VinnyLinks
VL: Adult:
$6
YthSr: $3
(Prices on
VinnyLinks
are 7 days
a week)
Smyrna
Yes
In the mid
It was built Hal Loflin,
Weekday:
Mike Moss
1950s
by the Air
Head Golf Pro* $33
(615) 459-9710
Force
Weekend:
Mike.moss@
Base
$36
townofsmyrna.org
HH:
87,061
MC:
57,380
Te: 64,599
Sh: 34,339
TR: 78,169
PW:
37,719
VL: 10,846
(1 round is
considered
9 holes)
35,000
Rates – The City of Gallatin website provided the information below:
Rates
18 holes w/ cart: $30.00 Everyday
9 holes w/ cart: $15.00 Everyday
Twilight Rate: $20 After 4:00 PM Everyday (Times Vary per season. Please call
for times)
Golf Lessons
$40.00 - 45 minute Adult Lesson
$30.00 - 30 minute Kid (Under 17) Lessons
Golf Commission
Below is the City of Gallatin’s ordinance regarding the golf commission’s
responsibilities.
Sec. 15-261. Golf commission.
(a) Generally. In accordance with T.C.A. § 11-24-104, a golf commission is hereby
established for the purpose of taking and having supervision and control of the
construction, maintenance, operation and improvement of the Gallatin Long Hollow Golf
Course. The golf commission shall be composed of five (5) persons active in and
knowledgeable of golfing activities to be appointed by the mayor and approved by the
city council for five-year terms or until successors are appointed, except the members
first appointed shall be appointed for such terms that the term of one (1) member shall
expire annually thereafter. Members of the commission may be reappointed as their terms
come to an end. Any vacancies that occur shall be filled for the balance of the term in the
same manner as original appointments by the mayor and council.
(b) Duties and powers. The duties and powers of the commission shall be to:
(1) Supervise the construction, maintenance, operation and improvement of the Long
Hollow Golf Course.
(2) Set operating policy, rules, and regulations that will promote substantial and orderly
use of the course.
(3) Set rates and fees that are designed to meet the objective that profit be generated
sufficient to maintain the course, retire the debt issued for construction and equipping,
and to accumulate a reserve fund for emergency expenditures or planned improvements.
(4) Hear complaints and suggestions from the public regarding the operational rules and
regulations of the golf course.
(5) Set salary levels and employ sufficient skilled personnel both permanent and
seasonal to adequately operate and maintain the golf course. Personnel employment,
compensation, and treatment shall be in accordance with the personnel rules of the city.
(Code 1979, § 1-1601)
Cross references: Boards, committees, commissions, § 2-116 et seq.
Sec. 15-262. Meetings; selection of chairman; rules of order.
The commission shall select its own chairman and secretary and establish its own rules of
order. The commission shall have regular monthly meetings and may hold special
meetings whenever its chairman, or a majority of its members, or the mayor calls for a
meeting. A quorum of a majority of its members is required to conduct business. An
affirmative vote of a majority of those members present is required to perform the acts
authorized by this article. Minutes evidencing these actions will be certified by the
chairman and a copy filed with the recorder. All laws governing meetings of public
bodies shall be observed and followed.
(Code 1979, § 1-1602)
Sec. 15-263. Financial management.
The director of finance shall serve as chief financial officer of the Long Hollow Golf
Course, responsible for financial affairs, accounting, auditing, supervision and control of
all monetary transactions, and custody of all funds as required by Article XIII of the State
Charter. The director of finance shall cause a monthly financial status report to be
prepared and presented to the commission.
(Code 1979, § 1-1603)
Sec. 15-264. Annual operating plan.
The commission shall prepare an annual operating plan that includes projections of play
(in rounds), rentals, sales and projected expenses and profit. The operating plan shall
include a cash plan that shows the distribution of profit to debt service, reserve fund, or
returns to the general treasury or any projected cash shortfalls requiring short-term
borrowing. Copies of the annual operating plan shall be transmitted to the city council via
the finance committee by May first of each year in order to coincide with the
development of the city budget.
(Code 1979, § 1-1604)
Sec. 15-265. Public works support.
The city engineer shall, in keeping with work priorities, provide periodic manpower and
equipment assistance as may be requested by the commission for golf course construction
or improvement projects.
(Code 1979, § 1-1605; Ord. No. O0212-075, 1-7-03)
Sec. 15-266. Expenses of commission.
In preparation of the annual budget, funds may be provided in the budget for actual and
necessary expenses incurred in the discharge of the responsibilities of the commission.
Each commissioner shall receive an allowance of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per month
for incidental expenses incurred in the exercise of his official duties for which no
accounting shall be required.
(Code 1979, § 1-1606)
The City should evaluate this ordinance and make changes to streamline the Long
Hollow Course’s activities.
The Municipal Technical Advisory Service fully realizes that the City of Gallatin is not
likely to embark on any additional capital improvements in the immediate future,
especially after investing monies in improving the Long Hollow Golf Course. However,
it is also important for the City to understand the critical importance of continually
reinvesting in this tremendous asset as well as understand that while the improvements
made have certainly made a significant difference in performance, additional
improvements are necessary in order to optimize performance and maximize the return to
the city.
II.
Golf Course Recommendations
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Reevaluate the pricing of the Senior Annual Discounts for all residency
classifications each year. Adjustments should be indexed to the Annual
Consumer Price Index (CPI) each year.
Purchase video cameras to aid in providing golf lessons by the Gallatin
Golf Pros.
Expand the driving range. There is not enough room.
Develop a Long Hollow Golf Course website. Make sure that it comes up
in doing searches for “golf courses Nashville.” This can be accomplished
through metatags and other techniques.
Long Hollow needs to have an integrated system that allows direct internet
booking of tee times.
Conduct a golf course rate analysis using similar concepts in a utility rate
study for an enterprise fund. Operating and depreciation costs of assets
should be a factor and future renewal and replacement costs should also be
factored in determining the true costs in order for revenues to at least meet
these costs. MTAS will assist you.
Spend more money on marketing and promotions.
Provide special discounts to residents during the slow early winter months.
Make sure proper maintenance equipment is updated.
Request proposals to renovate and modernize the interior of the clubhouse.
The second floor of the clubhouse needs to be better used.
The City should ensure that the clubhouse which was originally built in
1853 as a farmhouse is placed on the National Historic Registry.
Request proposals to expand outdoor pavilion used for tournaments by
integrating the pavilion to the clubhouse for easier access.
Expand the merchandise product line when appropriate.
Provide directional signage of the Long Hollow Golf Course on 109 and
386, 31 E, Belvedere Road and Long Hollow Road.
Consider the feasibility of constructing an indoor practice facility.
Work on a branding marketing project to add “Gallatin” to the top of the
“LH Logo” and “Tennessee” to the bottom. The current logo is sharp but
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
it does not identify where “LH is”. Promote the golf course as often as
possible on the local television programming.
During winter months, cross train appropriate employees to assist with
functions at the Gallatin Civic Center.
Partner with the Gallatin Civic Center to create new marketing strategies.
Survey other municipal golf course marketing practices.
Hire cart beverage attendant(s) during spring and summer months in order
to increase the number of rounds played and beer sold.
Investigate the feasibility of creating an intern program for area parks and
recreation college students.
Address the silt problem in the lake caused by residential development.
Purchase new carts. The existing carts are over 8 years old and need to be
traded in while they still have value.
Advertise to the tourist market by developing a brochure designed to go in
the tourist information racks. The brochure would include information
about Long Hollow, including a map with directions. It may also include
a coupon as incentive to come and play. The City should also use the
“coupon approach” for newspaper advertising.