POA having problem filling maintenance positions

Filling maintenance positions is still a problem, Golf Maintenance Manager Keith Ihms told the Joint Advisory Committee on Golf at their monthly meeting last week. Last winter, the board agreed to change some part-time positions to full time in the hopes of attracting more employees, but it didn’t solve the problem.

Tom Judson, the POA’s general manager, said he has offered an incentive to employees if they bring in a new employee who stays for 90 days. He thinks that may help.

Judson reported that he has interviewed four candidates for a new position as director of golf operations. One candidate has been invited back and asked to consider how he would encourage more nonmembers to play in Bella Vista.

Darryl Muldoon, acting golf operations manager, told the committee that while rounds have been down for the year, revenue is up because of fee increases. The number of people buying annual memberships is up as well, he said.

The new Junior Golf program got off to a wet start, Muldoon said. He had 20 young golfers signed up for the first session, but it rained the first Saturday of that session. He plans to extend the time of each remaining meeting to make up the rain out. The Junior Golf Clinic uses the driving range and the course at The Highlands. Two more sessions are scheduled for July and August.

Muldoon also reported that the new Bentonville West High School chose The Highlands as their home course for their golf team. The new school, opening in the fall, is located in Centerton, about 15 minutes from the course. Gravette High School also uses the Highlands, he said. His staff will help both coaches. The high school teams play in the late afternoon when few local golfers are on the course, he said.

Susan Nuttall, a member of the committee, gave the marketing report. She said signs have been erected naming the Country Club a stop on the Natural State Golf Trail. She said the state made the decision to put the signs on Lancashire Boulevard, but she would have preferred to have something on U.S. Highway 71.