Lexington’s five public golf courses operate in the red. Still, financial gains have been made in recent years. In 2011 the golf courses operated at a $1.1 million dollar deficit compared to a $853,000 loss last year. Rounds of golf played have increased but so have expenses. Council Budget Committee Member Angela Evans noted each golf course loses money.
“Do we need to look at closing some of them, based on the money. Maybe that’s the conversation we need to be having up here,” she said.
At least three other council members asked if golf would remain the best use of these city owned properties long term. One course mentioned was Gay Brewer Junior at Picadome. City Director of Golf Operations Mike Fields said Kentucky’s only Masters champion learned to play the game on that course.
“It’s the oldest public golf course in central Kentucky, built in 1927. So, historically do you take that away or do you preserve it.”
No decisions were made during the council’s budget committee meeting. Parks and Recreation Director Monica Conrad says increasing golf green fees might need to be considered.
