Area golf industry is booming

(Above) An attachment to flag sticks have been installed at Veterans Memorial Golf Club, allowing golfers to use their putters to flip a lever and pop the ball out of the hole instead of touching the ball.  -Reporter photo

by Marianne Gasaway

It’s hard to find the positives in a year filled with coronavirus — especially in the business world.  An exception to that is the golf industry.

Michael Oimoen, director of golf at Veterans Memorial Golf Club in Clear Lake, reports membership at the city-owned course are up by more than 50 this summer.  Typically, membership has grown by 10 to 15 during his seven years at the club.

“When April 1 came, people were ready to go,” said Oimoen.  “Kids weren’t back in school and people were looking for ways to get out of the house and do something.  Golf was the perfect thing to do.  You could do it alone, or with your family.”

Jay Barragy, president of the Veterans Memorial Board of Directors, agreed that golf was a safe activity and Veterans Memorial took extra steps to ensure the safety of those playing the course.

“The Iowa Golf Association and USGA sent out guidelines in early April and we have done our best to follow safe practices,” said Barragy.  In addition to eliminating ball washing stations and bunker rakes from the course and suggesting flags be left in the hole so they are not being handled, the Board also invested in an attachment to flag sticks which allow golfers to simply use their putters to flip the lever and pop the ball out of the hole.

Oimoen said the clubhouse has been open, serving beverages and simple snacks.  Guests must be seated in the clubhouse.  Initially the social area was closed, but as state gathering restrictions have been lifted, small groups may now sit at tables. The large outside deck is also a popular space for golfers to relax between rounds.

“We used the time before we opened, and when most businesses were closed down, to repaint the clubhouse and make improvements.  Everyone was ready to come back to work and we have been staying very busy since then,” said Oimoen.  “We started with several rules, like only one person allowed in a cart, then we had a waiver for people to ride together.  Now, people can decide on their own what they are comfortable with.”

Tom Sherman, owner of Oak Hills Par 30 in Clear Lake, said he has also been experiencing a busy season.

“Families are getting out and playing together, which is really encouraging,” said Sherman. “Our clubhouse has been closed, except for the restrooms and we are serving food items through a window to limit contact.  We are sanitizing golf carts and have rigged baskets to take your ball from the hole, rather than handle the flag pole.  We had to cancel several of our tournaments, but our Thursday morning ladies day has been going strong, as well as junior lessons on Tuesdays.  We are keeping our distance and teaching without touching.”

Recently, Veterans Memorial hosted a Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce golf outing.

“It was very different — with people basically starting at their assigned holes and playing, turning in their carts and leaving, but that was how it had to be this year,” said Oimoen.  “It was still good to be able to have the event and I think people really appreciated being able to get out and attend an event.”

Despite the public’s shear desire to get outside and partake in a safe activity, Barragy is quick to add that the efforts of Oimoen and Veterans Memorial Course Superintendent Jeremy Amosson are what have steadily fueled solid membership at the course.

“They are two of the best in the state and we are lucky to have them leading our operations in these unusual times,” said Barragy.