ASU to take over management at Papago?

[fore_life]

http://phoenix.gov/webcms/groups/internet/@inter/@dept/@parks/documents/web_content/099681.pdf

 

 

 

DISCUSSION

As part of a comprehensive study and recommendation on the City’s golf program, the

City Council on March 6, 2013 authorized staff to negotiate a possible agreement with

Arizona State University for the management and operation of Papago Golf Course. In

addition, through the agreement ASU would relieve the City of operating obligations

while paying the City golf program a share of revenues.

Under the proposed agreement, Papago would become the home to the ASU Men’s

and Women’s Golf Program. ASU would manage and maintain the course as a

municipal golf facility and be responsible for all future capital improvements, including

the development of a new clubhouse and entry drive.

 

 

The following are the recommended terms of the proposed IGA:

• 30-year IGA Operating Agreement

• ASU would facilitate the creation of a non-profit golf foundation to to manage the golf

course (similar structure as the management at ASU-Karsten) and develop the

capital improvements. The current operator will continue through the transition.

• The non-profit foundation would cover all operating and capital expenses.

• The non-profit foundation will construct a new clubhouse within three (3) years or the

agreement may be terminated.

• Green Fees for resident card holders would be no greater than the current fee model

approved by City Council. Any future change in the model would require Council

approval. (Currently $47 peak season).

• Resident Card Holders would have access to 50% of all rounds to be distributed

evenly between weekday and weekend and by month.

• Papago Men’s and Ladies Clubs will maintain tournament and event access similar

to today’s operations.

• ASU would have access to the course (at no charge) for team practices and up to

two NCAA tournaments per year.

• The non-profit foundation will pay the City Rent of $200,000 annually. At the

completion of the new clubhouse, rent will be reduced to $100,000 for the next three

(3) years and then increased to $200,000 or 20% of net revenue, whichever is

greater.

• The Papago Golf Course name will be maintained, but ASU will have naming rights

to the new clubhouse.

• The non-profit foundation with City approval, will create a new entrance, access road

off Galvin Parkway, and additional parking for the golf course. The Clubhouse will

be built at its prior location between the #1 tee and the 18th green (see attachment).

 

 

RECOMMENDATION

Staff requests that the Parks and Recreation Board recommend that the City Council

enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Arizona State University for the

management and use of the Papago Golf Course based on terms set forth above.

[jzona]

Hope it NEVER HAPPENS!

[fore_life]

The biggest thing I was concerned about was the raising of the rates/eliminating the city card discount, but it looks like they addressed that for the time being. But Im wondering if it will require the purchase of a separate resident card apart from the city card, something in line with the karsten card or something. I hope not.

[teejaywhy]

Not sure how I feel about this. The course needs an experienced GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT firm with a real GSCAA superintendent. ASU has deep pockets and they do outsource the management of Karsten...

[ghalfaire]

I know I'm late but I have an opinion too. I have mixed emotions about this takeover as I'm concerned with the likely rate increases that will occur to cover the new clubhouse (badly needed) and the general clean up of the place. But Papago is one of my favorite tracks and one of the reasons, certainly not the only one, is the price of play. But the City of Phoenix has a real problem with losing money on golf and this likely will save Papago or some other muni course and that is a good thing. So I can live with it I suspect, albeit I might not be able to play Papago as much as I'd like.