Glen Ellyn looks to generate more cash at golf course
A consultant will determine if proposed improvements to a village-owned golf course in Glen Ellyn could help the facility make more money.
Over the past two years, two village committees put together a master plan that proposes upgrades at the 27-hole Village Links of Glen Ellyn, such as remodeling the clubhouse and course improvements.
But after examining the plan in August, Village President Mark Pfefferman said it doesn’t adequately address possible long-term uses.
So the village has hired the National Golf Foundation to examine whether the suggested upgrades could lead to greater profitability.
“An external review … would provide assurance that the profit estimate is reasonable and that the Village Links has a business plan to generate those profits,” said Matt Pekarek, the village’s recreation director, in a memo to village staff.
The consultant will benchmark Village Links against other local and national golf courses, and may identify additional uses for the property that haven’t been suggested, Pekarek said.
Proposed first-phase improvements, estimated to cost $3.9 million, include the addition of a bar, new dining rooms, a dining patio and restrooms. On the course, the committees proposed the addition of covered and heated tee stations to the driving range, lights for use at night, and better fairway targets.
The improvements would be funded in part through the sale of general obligation bonds, which would be repaid through profits generated at Village Links, Pekarek said.
Reserve funds also could be used for project cash flow and as a buffer if profits don’t meet estimated levels, he said.
Costs could be lowered through value engineering and performing some work in house, he said.
Proposed phase two upgrades include demolition of what was the original clubhouse and addition of a new pro shop. But those changes, estimated to cost $2.9 million, would only be completed if funds become available.
The village will pay for the study — at a price not to exceed $18,500 — through its recreation fund, which is generated through user fees at Village Links.
The study is expected to take two months, at which time the village board likely will determine whether to implement the suggested upgrades.