Golf course manager Tom Ringer sheds positive light on status of local course

By Ed Martin, Editor
Lemoore Golf Course Manager Tom Ringer has nice things to say to the Lemoore Rotary Club Tuesday, Sept. 13.
Lemoore Golf Course Manager Tom Ringer has nice things to say to the Lemoore Rotary Club Tuesday, Sept. 13.

The Lemoore Rotary Club, during its regular Tuesday luncheon meeting at Skye Lounge and Restaurant, got an upbeat prognosis of the city’s municipal golf course. Things seem to be running fine, said Tom Ringer, the course golf pro and manager who spoke to about 20 Rotarians.

Ringer, who has managed the course since November of 2014, and is a 30-year PGA professional, said that despite an early gopher problem and the replacement of a bunch of sprinkler heads, the course is doing well, beyond expectations.

The Lemoore Golf Course has been the subject of much speculation the past few years, prior to Ringer taking over. Some councilmembers in 2013, citing continuing losses, wanted to sell the golf course to the Tachi Hotel and Casino for $5 million. After several public hearings, and intense public opposition to a sale, the city opted to hold on to the golf course.

Lemoore Golf Course Website

Some moves by councilmembers in regards to the course in 2013 created angst among councilmembers and prompted Councilman Eddie Neal, during a meeting, to criticize some city staff and Councilmember Billy Siegel, insinuating that Siegel and city employees may have unnecessarily used city funds to play a round of golf and then have lunch at the golf course.

Neal wanted Siegel to explain a meeting at the Lemoore Golf Course between the mayor, Recreation Director Joe Simonson, a city recreation employee, and a representative of a firm hired by the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino to evaluate the Lemoore course. Apparently the four played golf on the city’s credit card according to Neal.

Ringer currently has a five-year agreement to run the golf course and its operations.

The golf pro spent 17 years at the Visalia Country Club, managing its operations before leaving to earn a master’s degree and start his own business. “I’m enjoying the transition to a public golf course,” he told the Rotarians.

He said when the opportunity arose a couple of years ago to take over the course, he jumped at it. “I said why not? I missed the golf course world.”

Ringer manages about 25 employees and he keeps them busy. Early on, city workers trapped about 800 gophers that were causing problems at the course. “We’re down to a manageable list of gophers now,” he said. He also told Rotarians that he and his staff improved the efficiency of the course watering system, changing hundreds of heads. “We’ve become much more efficient in our watering. We’re trying to be good stewards of the water.”

The brightest part is that he says revenue is up the past two years by 8-10 percent. “The course needs to be in good condition to attract players.”

He added the course is averaging about 40,000 rounds per year.

Local membership is also growing. Two years ago the course had 58 members in its Men’s Club. Ringer told the Rotarians the club now boasts over 200 members. There are also 48 members of the Women’s Club.

There are other programs as well, a “Little Linksters” group for young golfers, a travel league of about 30 youngsters, he said.

According to Ringer, rates are still affordable. A round of 18 holes during the weekday costs $25 per person. A cart to go along with the round may cost $15. There are also a number of specials and discounts available for golfers.

 

 

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