Rounds played at Palm Harbor Golf Club are up 25%

Palm Coast Observer
Sports

by: Kim L. Brown

Recreation Supervisor-Marketing, City of Palm Coast

At 160 acres, the Palm Harbor Golf Club allows for plenty of space to stretch your legs, practice your putting, and play a leisurely 18-holes all while enjoying the palms, ancient oaks, ospreys, and even American bald eagles that call the course home. And since summer 2020, it has been humming with activity.

In July 2021, there were 4,425 rounds played at the course, up from 3,537 in July 2020. Revenue in the same time period was almost $113,000, up from about $85,000.

“We were set to break records in 2020. When we reopened participation, numbers shot up even more,” says Lauren Johnston, chief of staff Citizen Engagement. 2021 was an even better year, with Palm Harbor already turning a profit entering the fourth quarter. “It’s amazing. Between league play, our range punch card, and the residents coming out and enjoying the course, this year has been extremely successful and record breaking.”

With this increased usage, maintenance has become more of a pressing priority. “We have to do a lot of work to keep our limited golf cart fleet up and running,” according to Golf Supervisor Mitch Lehman. “We store and maintain them in our cart barn, so that space sees a lot of action. It’s also very visible, so keeping it neat, tidy, and in good repair is key. Conditions are one of the key things players look for when assessing the value of play.”

Parks and Recreation worked closely with Storm Water & Engineering and Public Works to map out and complete the maintenance on the cart barn, which included a new roof and fresh paint. With the assistance of Code Enforcement, Parks was also able to put in additional greenery to add privacy for both the course and its neighbors, as well as increase the natural aesthetic of the course.

The Palm Harbor Golf Club, located at 20 Palm Harbor Drive, offers a full service practice facility with a driving range, putting green, and chipping green. It also features a full restaurant on site, The Green Lion. Tee times can be reserved by visiting palmharborgolfclub.com.