Ridgewood Golf Course in Parma looks for ways to increase revenues and cut costs

City-owned Ridgewood Golf Course, for the first time in its history, may allow small groups of customers to schedule tee times this coming season.

In previous years, Ridgewood has given reservations only to golf leagues. Extending that opportunity to individual foursomes would bring more business to Ridgewood, golf course officials hope.

Also, Ridgewood is considering a punch-card system in which golfers who play 10 rounds would receive a free 11th round.

In addition, the golf course may ask council for permission to charge lower rates during slow weekday times, like late mornings and early afternoons. It may introduce early-bird rates to attract golfers.

Ridgewood will also reach out to schools and businesses in an effort to increase league play; look for ways to water the golf course less expensively; and consult with other municipal golf courses on ways to increase revenues and cut costs.

Recreation Director Mickey Vittardi discussed all of these possibilities earlier tonight during a City Council budget hearing.

This was after Councilwoman Debbie Lime asked Vittardi what Ridgewood will do differently this year to make money and reduce expenses.

Lime was concerned because council, in December, agreed to loan Ridgewood $52,000 from the city?s general fund. The money was needed to balance the golf course?s budget.

At the time, Service Director Brian Higgins said it was the first time in his nine years here that the city has loaned money to Ridgewood.?

In answering Lime?s question earlier tonight, Vittardi said Ridgewood has already taken steps to improve its financial picture and attract more golfers.

For example, the golf course has started charging its employees for the use of golf carts. Traditionally, workers at golf courses play at no cost.

Also, Ridgewood charges lower rates to active military people, distributes buy-one-round-get-one-round-free coupons and charges lower rates for larger tournaments and outings, Vittardi said.

Vittardi said a recreation-sharing agreement, which Parma and Seven Hills signed last year, resulted in 216 rounds played by Seven Hills residents in 2012.

For more on this story, see the Feb. 14 Sun Post.

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/parma/index.ssf/2013/02/ridgewood_golf_course_in_parma_1.html

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