Politics & Government

Woodbury's Eagle Valley Golf Course Had Best Year Ever in 2012

The long golf season and rate changes spurred the successful season at the city's municipal course.

In terms of gross revenue, Eagle Valley Golf Course had its best year ever in 2012.

The Woodbury City Council last week heard the annual review for the municipal course, which has undertaken operational changes and enhanced marketing efforts to improve its finances.

There was an extra month or so of the golf season last year, said Dan Moris, head pro. The warm weather last spring got people out early and excited about golf throughout the year, he said.

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But changes to the fee structure, including taking Fridays off the weekend rate, along with a $20 reduction for the course’s Royal Club, were also factors, Moris said. The course’s first full season was in 1999 after opening for half a season a year earlier.

Councilman Paul Rebholz said the city has done well to draw locals to the course, and hopes to build on that momentum this year.

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“People in Woodbury play golf,” he said. “We need them to play golf in Woodbury.”

Upgrades to the clubhouse at Eagle Valley were also welcome, Rebholz said.

“I felt like I should take my shoes off when I went in,” he said.

Eagle Valley will have its information posted in area sporting goods and golf stores, Moris said, and continue to market its Royal and Champion's clubs.

New golf carts are also expected to be delivered soon, said Moris, who is eyeing a mid-April opening for 2013.

“If Mother Nature will cooperate,” he said.

The golf industry in Minnesota saw improvements in 2012, but Woodbury’s municipal course outpaced the rebound.

Statewide, there was an 11 percent increase in rounds played, according to a council presentation. At Eagle Valley, rounds were up 28 percent.

“We’re excited to get going again,” Moris said.

Stats

Rounds Played

2009: 28,551

2010: 27,505

2011: 26,421

2012: 33,755

Royal Club Sales

2009: 413

2010: 479

2011: 369

2012: 642

Gross Revenue

2009: $1.311 million

2010: $1.269 million

2011: $1.153 million

2012: $1.449 million

Check out the PDF with this post for more information.

 

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