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Scott AFB begins year-long test for golf seasonal operations

  • Published
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  In the wake of damage caused by two major storms this past spring, the future of Cardinal Creek Golf Course was in jeopardy. Base officials were faced with some tough choices in an effort to preserve the popular service in this challenging fiscal environment and will transition the course to a seasonal operation starting Nov. 4, with a planned reopening in April 2014.

"The timing of the two spring storms could not have been worse," said Col. Kyle Kremer, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander. "Recent improvements at the golf course and café were showing promise, and we had just entered the peak golfing season when we were forced to close. Luckily, we were able to get the golf operations opened back up relatively quickly, but the clubhouse and café repairs will take some time. We hope to have the café reopened in January." Of note, the Cardinal Creek Café is the major food service provider on the east side of the base.

"Moving to a seasonal operation is just one of several changes ahead for Cardinal Creek in an effort to reduce costs while still providing this quality of life activity for the Scott community," said Tom Rector, 375th Force Support Squadron's Community Services Flight Chief.

"The damage to the clubhouse from this year's floods affected the café, pro shop, locker rooms, and administrative and supply areas, which have been closed since June," he said. "In addition, the cart fleet, sand traps and much of the grounds were damaged as well, and this alone very nearly permanently closed the course." However, base leadership gained support from Air Mobility Command to fund repairs for storm-damaged infrastructure, and the FSS is considering leasing replacement carts as a cost-cutting measure.

Prior to Mother Nature wreaking havoc with the course, Rector explained that the Cardinal Creek staff had been working to reverse 10 years of operating at a loss, a challenge faced by many other golf courses throughout the service. In fact, as part of the overall Services Transformation that is ongoing, there are several golf courses closing this year across the Air Force. In addition, the continued downsizing of the military, which reduces the golf course's customer base, and the increased availability to play golf on many courses in the local area are two additional challenges faced by Cardinal Creek.

"Years ago, we had enough revenue from other activities and bigger budgets to support infrastructure upgrades to make golf courses profitable. It's a continuing struggle to do that anymore," he said.

Instead of closing the course, leadership decided to adopt a seasonal operation for a test year to see if that would improve its financial performance and keep the course viable. "With some adjustments, I believe our golf operation has the opportunity to be a success and an example for other bases with struggling courses to follow," said Kremer. "We are doing everything in our part to make it succeed, but ultimately it will be up to the golfing community to come out and support the course and café."

The FSS is working with the golf professionals at the Air Force Personnel Center Services Directorate to streamline operations, smartly reduce expenses and improve the customer experience. "We are doing a wholesale review of our golf operations and are excited about the opportunities ahead," said Maj. Russ Callaway, 375th Force Support Squadron Commander.

A plan was developed to reduce the number of sand traps, change the fairways to a slightly more difficult set up and implement reduced mowing areas on the course, while maintaining the level of play. In addition, the plan is to reopen the café as soon as repairs are complete and encourage people to use the renovated clubhouse for other unit or personal activities and events.

In anticipation of what the changes would mean for the loyal golf enthusiasts, Col. Kremer hosted a town hall meeting in September to present the plan and solicit feedback. "We received a lot of great suggestions from our annual green fee members, and are reviewing every one of them," he said. "What I want to emphasize is that we are committed to doing everything we can to make the golf course a successful operation for years to come."

Maj. Callaway said, "We need community support, and we want you and your organizations to keep the business on-base so we can give back to you, our valued customer." Updates will be provided throughout the year and people are encourage to check out www.375fss.com/golfCourse/golf_course.htm, and follow them on Facebook or Twitter. The driving range will be available for year-round use, so patrons are welcomed to continue using the range on a self-help basis.