Bobby Jones committee makes the case for capital investment

Continuing its examination of the future of the municipal course, the Bobby Jones Golf Club Study Committee is prepared to tell the City Commission it thinks some significant capital improvements are needed.

According to a slideshow presentation for a Sept. 14 meeting with the commission, the committee has landed on a few unanimous points regarding the upgrades that should be undertaken at Bobby Jones.

In addition to improvements to the courses themselves, the recommendations include a new practice facility and a driving range built to PGA standards as well as replacements for the existing clubhouse, cart barn and locker room.

“The infrastructure of both courses are obsolete and in need of major upgrades,” the presentation states. “The clubhouse has exceeded its expected life cycle by more than a decade and needs to be replaced to meet today's needs and expectations.”

"The infrastructure of both courses are obsolete and in need of major upgrades."

The committee began its work earlier this year, tasked by the commission with making recommendations on the future planning efforts for Bobby Jones. Although Vice Mayor Suzanne Atwell has said she is open to bringing in a private operator to oversee the course, the committee is recommending the city retain control.

During the course of its research, the committee has talked to representatives from other courses that have undergone significant improvements. The price for those projects has ranged from $2 million to $5.8 million.

The presentation suggests some potential funding sources, including county tourist tax funds, city capital funds, other county funds, public/private partnerships, private naming opportunities, grants and bonds.

There are still some points of disagreement regarding the scope of the improvements. At the very least, the group is interested in improving the existing layout of the courses to U.S. Golf Association standards. Members of the board have expressed some interest in restoring the original configuration envisioned by Donald Ross, a noted golf architect who designed Bobby Jones.

The Friends of Bobby Jones Golf Club has thrown its support toward a larger overhaul of the course, arguing the investment will pay off in the long run. That group has gained an endorsement from Paul Azinger, a professional golfer and Sarasota native. Still, questions remain about whether the city could cover the cost of a more significant improvement plan.

Following the Sept. 14 update with the City Commission, the committee will work on preparing a final report by December.