Financial struggles have been par for the course at city-owned Sumner Meadows Golf Links in recent years. The 18-hole course didn’t make enough money in 2010 to break even.

And while the number of rounds played on the greens along the White River rose last year, city officials still expect an overall loss for 2011.

Now there’s another bump: State auditors say the city is taking too long to repay loans it made to the golf course fund from other city funds. More than $915,000 is owed, and the city should dip into the general fund to cover the amount, auditors wrote in a finding released this month.

But that’s not possible without putting serious stress on Sumner’s finances, said City Administrator Diane Supler. The city intends to pay back the loans eventually, she said.

For now, the city is focused on strengthening Sumner Meadows’ financial outlook by developing a new business plan. Supler said it’s a good course, and she’s hopeful about its future.

“We had a series of events that were outside the city’s control. Mother Nature intervened and sort of set us back a little bit,” Supler said, referring to a 2009 flood that destroyed the clubhouse and rainy weather that kept golfers away.

The city built Sumner Meadows in 1995. Historically, the course has collected enough money to cover operating costs, with the city stepping in to pay down bond debt, Supler said.

She said it’s not uncommon for cities to subsidize the debt of municipal courses. Pierce County has made loans to Chambers Bay, its $21 million golf course in University Place. The high-end course opened in 2007 and is the site of the 2015 U.S. Open.

Many private courses have fallen on hard times, too, and are trying new economic models to survive. Member-owned Oakbrook Golf and Country Club in Lakewood recently sold to a group led by Ryan Moore, a professional golfer from Puyallup, with hopes that membership-reward packages will turn around its fortunes.

In Sumner, the golf course’s financial situation has troubled city officials over the years. The City Council at one time debated selling it to developers, then hired the Virginia-based Billy Casper Golf in late 2004 to take over management.

Supler said the golf industry is weather-dependent, so especially rainy conditions – like those the last two years – can have a big impact.

In 2010, the course had a net operating loss of about $30,000. Last year’s budget isn’t yet closed, but another loss is expected, Supler said.

The number of rounds played in 2011 – about 38,000 – did grow by nearly 5 percent over 2010.

The course carries more than $2.6 million in bond debt.

Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow said he would prefer to see the course in private hands. But, he said, the city is committed to it and will “try to keep on with it and improve it. We think it can be made profitable and pay back its debt.”

Supler said the city will work with Billy Casper Golf on the new business plan.

David Kendall, Sumner Meadows’ general manager, said the course is stepping up marketing and offering deals for golfers.

“We consider ourselves to have the best value in the market,” he said.

The most someone pays to play is $38 – on a weekend during peak golfing times, he said. The lowest can be less than $20, he said.

Supler said a top priority is charting a course for the clubhouse. The structure destroyed in the flood had a grill and pro shop. A doublewide trailer now serves as a temporary replacement, and a banquet tent is set up for bigger events, Kendall said.

Jon Swanson, a former Sumner City Council member who volunteered to help with the business plan, said he’d like to see a permanent clubhouse that could accommodate other functions, such as wedding receptions.

And a cover over the driving range would make it more appealing for people to practice in the rain, he said.

“In my opinion, the city should do everything it can do retain the golf course,” Swanson said. “I think it can be something that’s more than a golf course.”

Supler said she views the links in the East Pierce city of 9,500 people as something more than a draw for golfers from Sumner and beyond.

It’s also valuable open space that enhances quality of life, she said.

Sara Schilling: 253-552-7058
sara.schilling@thenewstribune.com
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