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Port district commission sees progress at golf course
Port District commissioners, James Keene, left, and Gary Haag, show off the new tee-box sponsorship signs being installed at Banks Lake Golf Course. About half of the tee-box holes have sponsors, and the port is working on the remaining holes. -- Roger S. Lucas photo
Grant County Port District 7 is in its third year as manager of Banks Lake Golf Course, which is inching forward and soon will be in the black, according to port commissioners.
The Port District took control of the golf course in the spring of 2012, under distressed circumstances. Now, with a membership of 86 and a successful year of managing the course, primarily with volunteers, things are looking good, Port District Chair James Keene said last week.
Commissioners praised volunteers for improving the course this year and for their dedicated service.
"Our success is directly tied to our volunteers," Keene stated.
"The course is in its best shape in the past several years," Commissioner Gary Haag stated. He is a retired Department of Transportation employee and an ardent golfer. He became a commissioner just a few months ago, and you can find him on a greens mower several times a week.
He and Jerry Birdwell, a past commissioner, and also retired, were singled out by Keene as constant volunteers at the course.
"We have about a half dozen volunteers that are out here several times a week," Keene stated.
Course conditions have been greatly improved this season and play has increased, according to Keene.
The port plans to continue management of the course next season and has made headway in equipment, fertilizer and will be working to expand play.
The course has 21 golf carts, good quality mowers, and money in the bank.
The port invested over $100,000 in the course the first year it operated the 18-hole layout. Each year it has been easier. Now the course is nudging the black, Keene noted.
Currently, the port is working on a tee-box sponsorship program. About half have been sold.
A Portland firm, Bench Craft, has been helping the golf course by furnishing tee-box signs for each of the 18 holes. Sponsorships go for $375. Several local firms have sponsored a tee-box, Keene stated.
Sponsorships are also available on score cards and ball washers, Keene added.
Those interested in sponsorships are put in touch with Bench Craft officials, who capture the look on the signs that sponsors request.
"We are happy with the partnerships we have with the community and this has resulted in success at the course," Keene said.
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