New Arrowhead clubhouse profits are above par

If business at Arrowhead Golf Club keeps up its current pace, it might be awhile before the Wheaton Park District comes knocking for a tax increase.

First quarter numbers are in for the first full fiscal year with the $16 million renovated clubhouse in full swing. They reflect a facility with across-the-board profit improvements.

One of the more telling numbers is the increase in golf rounds. Rounds are up nearly 11 percent over last season, bucking a national and local trend in lagging links play.

The most notable change from the last full fiscal year in the old clubhouse is profit upswing in food and beverage operations. The renovations saw entirely new and expanded restaurant and banquet facilities in the clubhouse.

Income from the restaurant, banquets and offerings on the course itself are up nearly $1 million. Offsetting that is a major increase in operating expenses, resulting in a net profit increase over the old clubhouse's food and banquet operations of nearly $400,000.

That said, the park district still lacks both a marketing plan and a business plan for Arrowhead, two key pieces to keep the cash rolling in when the golf season and prime banquet months expire. Both plans are long past due as park commissioners had hoped to see those completed even before the renovated clubhouse opened.

Executive Director Mike Benard vowed Wednesday night to have the plans in place by next month for the park commissioners to review.

Commissioners also found themselves approving an unexpected additional $28,000 expense to install a surveillance system at the golf course. The course has seen notable theft and vandalism to the clubhouse and course in recent months. Commissioners approved a 32-camera system to keep a better eye on employees and after-hours activity.