Dreaming in green, Elk Point Golf Course hopes to be profitable in 2020

Although there’s snow on the ground, that isn’t stopping the Elk Point Golf & Country Club from dreaming of greens and long drives to the hole in 2020.

Club president, Don Schultz, reported to Town Council on February 10 that the dreams are for a better year than last.

2019 was challenging, explained Schultz.

Water problems, irrigation issues, increased competition, and poor economic times resulted in an overall loss of $7100, but a casino worth $22,000 resulted in a much better bottom line than the deficit of just over $30,000 at the end of 2018.

The objective for 2020, said Schultz is “to generate a reasonable profit, the first in several years.”

The water issues are nearly repaired and there are no large expenses on the horizon, so a number of initiatives are being undertaken to increase revenue.

Advertisements of discounted fees encouraged 32 per cent of last year’s members to purchase their 2020 memberships in December 2019.

Discounted rates continue until the end of March and installment plans are available.

The club intends to generate more interest in the course with special events, Men’s Nights and Couple’s Nights.

All youth under 16 will golf for free on weekdays when accompanied by an adult.

More people on the links will mean more casual greens’ fees and cart rentals and increased food and beverage sales at the clubhouse.

Deals like 2-for-1 golfing on Canada Day and specials in the clubhouse restaurant when ball and soccer events are on at the recreation grounds will also help.

The golf course will be entered on the TravelAlberta website under golf course, camping, and restaurant headings.

Once the snow melts and the grass turns green, the club will be looking for locals to be photographed for the website.

The club tends to the recreation grounds and facilities beside the golf course and in 2019 was paid $180 for each day it performed the maintenance.

In a letter to council, the club requested fees be brought up to $200.00/day in 2020 before going back to the original amount of $220.00/day in 2021, with no increase for four years after that.

Council deferred the request to a later meeting.