Veterans Memorial Golf Course reports strong 2014, steady future

Twenty-fourteen was a very good year for Veterans Memorial Golf Club.

In its fourth year since being taken over by the City of Clear Lake, the nine-hole golf course continued to show an increase in net income and achieved significant milestones.

Tom Lovell, a Veterans Memorial Golf Club Foundation Board member, said the course enjoyed a $32,000 net income in 2014, up 14 percent over 2013 revenues.  It was the fourth season of positive income.  “Based on that, we believe we can be managed profitably in the future,” Lovell told the City Council Monday night.

It was just a few years ago All-Vets Golf Course looked to be in jeopardy of closing permanently.  New ownership was being sought and it was the fear of many that the course would be converted to residential properties due to its close proximity to the lake.  The City of Clear Lake recognized the importance of the facility as a recreational and tourist attraction and acquired the property in May of 2011.  Soon after, the Veteran’s Memorial Golf Club Foundation was formed to oversee the operation of the course.

The largest highlight of 2014 was the naming of Veterans Memorial as nine-hole Course of the Year by the Iowa Golf Association.  Lovell credited Grounds Superintendent Jeremy Amosson and Director of Golf Mike Oimoen, along with the crew, for the honor.  He noted both men have been retained for the 2015 season.

Other highlights of the 2014 season included construction of a new retaining wall behind the clubhouse on the first tee, replacing a substandard structure.  A damaged concrete patio was also replaced with a new paver patio and deck, which are handicap accessible.  Lovell noted that the V.F.W. and Snyder Construction generously donated and installed a 30-foot flag pole and memorial boulder near the first tee.  New windows, bar stools and deck furniture were also donated.

The start of a junior golf program by Oimoen, which attracted 40 young golfers, was also a positive in 2014.

Lovell said fees will increase an average of 5 percent next season.  It is the first rate hike in two years.

Of the $32,000 net profit in 2014, Lovell said $27,000 will be used to pay bills, while $5,000 will be put into a capital improvement fund, bringing the balance of that fund to $15,820. - Read More Via e-Edition