Do you like the golf course flip?
May 11th, 2007 by 
colson
The Brandon golf course manager announced plans to flip the front nine and the back nine holes at the course so that golfers will start their game on the No. 10 hole.
The change starts this weekend and some are convinced it will speed up play.
Wonder if most golfers think that’s a good idea?
Posted in Uncategorized | 
May 11th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
This was tried before and it failed miserably. The pro shop will lose control of who is on the tee. Older people are going to have a hard time walking down that steep hill to get to the new first tee.
Instead of spending all that money for technology (cash register, GPS in carts, web site) why not spend it on a new mower so the greens are good again?
May 14th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
So does that mean that golfers playing the full 18 will have to go back up the hill to tee off from the former 1st hole? I always thought the tee off from the hill on 1 was a great feature of Brandon’s golf course.
May 14th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
The switch should have been a long time ago. The 18th hole needs to be below the clubhouse, it is the perfect finishing hole. As far as worrying about the walkers, DONT! They know the hill is there before they tee off, if they are worried about it, rent a cart. However, there will be carts sitting at the top and bottom of the hill for them to use.
May 15th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I cannot help but chime in here in response to post #1. Here are the facts:
1.No, this has not been tested before so saying it has failed miserably is just flat out false.
2. No, we will not lose control of who is on the tee. We will have more control. Each customer who comes through the pro-shop MUST check in. Even if they are a season pass holder they will get a receipt with their exact tee time printed on it, so each group will know who is ahead of who. Also, the video camera will be in place to monitor the tee box with a monitor in the pro-shop. This can be done at minimal cost. The number 1 tee is a fair distance away from the pro-shop at many other courses in the area and they have no surveillance.
3. Our goal is to make sure nobody has to walk up the hill. Our cart kids will use the tractor to pick up 3somes or 4somes of walkers. Also, we have a courtesy cart at the bottom of the hill and top of the hill at all times for those single and twosomes of walkers. 70%-80% of our golfers ride. Also, if there is someone who wants a ride down the hill, our cart kids can sure accommodate them and give them a ride if they want. Before the switch, walkers had to walk down the #1 path as well.
4. The money we spent on our new POS system is going to help us better track and manage the entire operation better, which will help the bottom line.
5. Regarding our greens, they are in excellent condition right now. I tested them on a stimp meter a couple of weeks ago and they were at 10. Bill and Bob have done a great job on the greens this year. Also, we budget $40,000 per year on equipment. We have equal or better equipment than any course in the area.
Here are the main benefits to reversing the 9’s:
1. The finishing hole is under the clubhouse which is a perfect setting for spectators for our numerous tournaments and golf outings. We accommodate approximately 60-80 golf outings per year, which are crucial for our revenue. Many groups like to watch their fellow golfers finish up. This in turn helps to keep our season pass fees low.
#2. We will save approximately $7,000-$10,000 annually by not having to staff the shack. The reason is after playing the front 9, the customer will enter the clubhouse to purchase food or beverage.
#3. Groups should get off the tee quicker because there is less trouble on the par 5 off the tee.
#4. The more difficult holes will be on the back 9, (#2,#3) which is where you want them.
Also, we are just trying this out for 3-4 months to see how it works. We have not switched any numbers yet, we are just teeing everyone off the back 9, #10 hole first.
For those who have questions feel free to call me at the golf course at 582-7100.
Thank you,
Zane Swenson
Head Golf Professional/Manager