The City of Rome (GA) has extended its partnership with Billy Casper Golf to manage Stonebridge Golf Club, a Golf Digest “Top 10 Golf Courses in America Under $55.” BCG’s innovative programs helped increase annual revenues by nearly 20 percent while city-led projects have greatly enhanced course conditions. Unique to the area, Stonebridge’s Player Development Program that features free range balls and discounted rates is drawing new golfers by the thousands.
PGA Golf Club celebrated the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) Veteran Clinic Graduation earlier this month on the expansive practice range at the PGA Center for Learning and Performance in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The HOPE program provides veterans with free golf instruction from local PGA Professionals as a means to enhance their rehabilitation and assimilation back into society. This month’s graduation marks the culmination of an eightweek program. PGA Tour winner and Vietnam veteran Ed Dougherty — a Port St. Lucie resident who has one PGA Tour and two Champions Tour victories — was the guest of honor.
Golfers at city of Tucson courses will soon pay higher greens and cart fees. Tucson’s Mayor and council members recently approved the fee increase for all five of the city’s municipal courses. Two years ago, the city lost over $1 million due to golf. Some area professionals believe the increased greens and cart fees will encourage greater usage of practice ranges, as golfers seek a less time and money intensive alternative.
A bird became trapped in a net at Topgolf entertainment venue earlier this month. Virginia Beach SPCA volunteer Karen Roberts identified it as a female hooded merganser. Instead of flying around the 100-plus feet of netting surrounding the facility, the bird was trapped high in one of its nets. Virginia Beach Fire Department, Topgolf representatives and Animal Control came out to the facility to try and rescue the bird. It wasn’t until they called Nuckols Tree Care of Virginia Beach that they were able to set the bird free. An employee with the tree service company went up in a bucket truck and unhooked the bird from the netting.
