Meeting to explore management change at golf course

The Polson Golf Board is meeting with Polson City Commissioners at noon Thursday, Sept. 14, at City Hall to explore a possible reconfiguration in how Polson Bay Golf Course is managed.

The meeting, described as a “workshop,” will review management structures in place at other city-owned golf courses that allow an association, with a volunteer board of directors, to oversee operation of the facility.

Proponents say the approach could be a win-win for the city and for the golf course and restaurant.

Currently, the city is paid $90,000 for its administrative duties – a fee that proponents believe could be reduced by 80-90% if those responsibilities were conducted in-house, allowing the golf course to reinvest those funds in personnel and maintenance.

In turn, the new association would lease the course from the city for a negotiated fee.

Terry Nelson, the retired general manager at Whitefish Golf Course, will be on hand to discuss that community’s approach.

The meeting is open to the public.