Golf operations report: automated range machines, merchandise and season‑pass demand boost revenue; staffing and irrigation loans remain challenges
October 20, 2025 | Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, Idaho
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Golf operations managers told the council that revenue improved markedly in the current fiscal cycle thanks to automated driving‑range machines, robust merchandise sales and steady season‑pass demand, but that winter cash‑flow and staffing remain the largest operational challenges.
Kevin Cavern, golf operations manager, said the new pay‑machines at driving ranges generated roughly $300,000 in funds that previously had been held in a separate account and that driving‑range revenue increased from about $58,000 to $90,000 at the improved site; he said the machine purchase (about $23,000 including power) has already paid for itself. Cavern reported total golf division revenues of approximately $4.9 million (with an asterisk noting $300,000 newly remitted from range machines) against expenditures below projection. He said merchandise sales remain strong (about $817,000 in gross sales) despite manufacturer cost increases and shipping challenges.
Managers said seasonal staffing is competitive and harder to retain because of Affordable Care Act timing and the nature of seasonal work. Councilors and staff discussed perks such as season passes for seasonal employees and the constraints that ACA rules place on longer seasonal employment. Cavern said the division employs more than 50 seasonal workers during peak months and that some positions are difficult to fill in the offseason.
Capital and maintenance needs include an irrigation system replacement estimated at $3.5 million for Sand Creek, planned roofing work at clubhouses, a new restroom at Sage Lakes pending easements, and payoff of an existing irrigation loan. Cavern said the division aims to maintain approximately $1 million in reserves to avoid seasonal shortfalls and interest costs; historically opening‑season shortfalls have reached around $1 million.
Councilors asked about operational details: staffing, competition for seasonal hires and the potential to charge no‑show fees; staff said new point‑of‑sale software may reduce tee‑time friction and enable policy changes. The council did not take any fiscal action during the work session; staff will continue planned capital work and pursue trades with Public Works to bring water/sewer to Sage Lakes clubhouse.
Kevin Cavern, golf operations manager, said the new pay‑machines at driving ranges generated roughly $300,000 in funds that previously had been held in a separate account and that driving‑range revenue increased from about $58,000 to $90,000 at the improved site; he said the machine purchase (about $23,000 including power) has already paid for itself. Cavern reported total golf division revenues of approximately $4.9 million (with an asterisk noting $300,000 newly remitted from range machines) against expenditures below projection. He said merchandise sales remain strong (about $817,000 in gross sales) despite manufacturer cost increases and shipping challenges.
Managers said seasonal staffing is competitive and harder to retain because of Affordable Care Act timing and the nature of seasonal work. Councilors and staff discussed perks such as season passes for seasonal employees and the constraints that ACA rules place on longer seasonal employment. Cavern said the division employs more than 50 seasonal workers during peak months and that some positions are difficult to fill in the offseason.
Capital and maintenance needs include an irrigation system replacement estimated at $3.5 million for Sand Creek, planned roofing work at clubhouses, a new restroom at Sage Lakes pending easements, and payoff of an existing irrigation loan. Cavern said the division aims to maintain approximately $1 million in reserves to avoid seasonal shortfalls and interest costs; historically opening‑season shortfalls have reached around $1 million.
Councilors asked about operational details: staffing, competition for seasonal hires and the potential to charge no‑show fees; staff said new point‑of‑sale software may reduce tee‑time friction and enable policy changes. The council did not take any fiscal action during the work session; staff will continue planned capital work and pursue trades with Public Works to bring water/sewer to Sage Lakes clubhouse.
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