Palm Desert (Calif.) Country Club could be on the brink of financial failure and is looking to the city for a bailout. Dave Simmons, a resident who also is the club’s General Manager, told the The Desert Sun that the club closed its nine-hole executive course last week, A second 18-hole course remains open.
“It’s a matter of not being able to generate the income you need during the season to get you through the summer,” Simmons said. “Financially, we’re on life support. It’s at the point that the club can’t meet its obligations.”
Club residents are concerned about the potential impact to property values and public safety if the courses are closed and not maintained. Club members have put forward two city-funded rescue proposals for consideration. The city could buy 10,000 rounds of golf at $20 per round, for a cash infusion of $200,000 per year for the next 10 years. City residents would then be able to play at the club for $25 a round. Currently, regular summer rates are $45 until noon and $35 after noon. In-season rates are as high as $80 a round.
The second proposal centers on the city buying the club’s nine-hole executive golf course and turning it into a public course.
City officials and residents are expected to consider the future of the club at a meeting later this month. However, according to the article, officials fear a bailout for Palm Desert CC might lead to more requests for government assistance from other golf clubs in the city, many of which also have been affected by the down economy.
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