The city of Ashland, Ohio voted to eliminate the Golf Pro Manager position on February 28 for economic reasons, with the Superintendent taking over management duties. Current Golf Pro Manager Terry Valentine, who has run the golf course for 26 years, was informed of the decision and chose to retire.
Brookside Golf Course in Ashland, Ohio has eliminated the Golf Pro Manager position, the Richland (Ohio) Source reported.
A February 28 personnel action form from the city stated the position was eliminated for economic reasons. Mayor Matt Miller confirmed on February 28 that the choice to cut the position was a consensus reached mutually by Miller and the city council in an executive session at the end of the council’s February 20 meeting. Terry Valentine, who ran the golf course for 26 years, was informed of the decision and chose to retire, the Source reported.
According to Miller, the decision will save the city $74,000, cutting the projected general fund subsidy of the golf course in half. Valentine’s was the highest-paid position at the course, the Source reported.
“I want to make very clear that Terry does not leave on bad terms,” Miller said. “He has dedicated a lot of his life to that course and to the golfers in this community. He is a kind and good-hearted man, and we will miss him.”
Brookside’s operations have been a topic of discussion in the city for several years as expenditures consistently exceed revenues, requiring the city to spend general fund dollars to help keep the course afloat, the Source reported.
At Miller’s request, the council held a February 10 work session to discuss 2018 appropriations for the golf course. They then voted February 20 to continue funding the course using about $141,000 general fund money this year, but they indicated at that time that significant changes would be coming, the Source reported.
City records show Valentine was hired by former parks director Tim Clingan in late 1991 to start as golf course pro-manager in January 1992. He replaced his father, George Valentine, who had been director of golf, the Source reported.
In Valentine’s absence, Miller said, golf course superintendent Billy Christian will be in charge of the course. Steve Fast and Michael Briggs both will help part-time in the pro shop during the transition, and John Howell will also continue working in the pro shop, Miller said. It has not yet been determined whether Christian or any other golf course staff will receive raises in the restructuring, the Source reported.
The course was scheduled to open March 1, weather permitting. Golfers can expect rate increases ranging from about $0.50 to $1 per round of golf this season, starting opening day, the Source reported.
In addition to meeting with the remaining golf course staff, Miller said he has met with individuals in the community who will be helping to sell sponsorships of holes and golf carts. Details on available sponsorships are forthcoming, the Source reported.
“I think we’re all excited to see what kind of golf season we can have this year,” Miller said.
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