Golf course savings rerouted to Lansing parks

Groesbeck remains ‘recreational gem’ under LEPFA

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WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19 — Groesbeck Golf Course is thriving under the management of the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority as revenues soar and expenses drop by nearly 40 percent.

Mayor Andy Schor today announced that the golf course, after being placed under LEFPA’s management last year, charted more than 21,000 eighteen-hole rounds of golf this year. That equates to more than $483,000 in revenue while operating expenses dropped about 40 percent over last year, according to city-provided figures.

Schor planned to evaluate the managerial transition before it continued but has since declared the deal a success. And more improvements will be announced as the course heads into a new year under LEPFA’s management.

“We have looked at the numbers and heard the feedback, and have found that LEPFA’s management of the Groesbeck Golf Course has been a successful endeavor both financially and for golfers,” Schor said, noting golf, as an amenity, is “part of the great placemaking that Lansing needs in order to continue to be a great city.”

Moving into 2019, LEPFA plans to announce a “new way to experience the course during the winter months,” according to a release. Additional plans include improvements to on-course restrooms, increased food and beverage offerings, safety enhancements and more tournaments, leagues and other golf-related outings.

Also according to the release, LEPFA surpassed its improvement goals for the course this year, reducing expenses to the city while improving customer service and experiences. The most recent subsidy paid by the city was about $600,000. This year, that subsidy dropped to $208,000 and is expected to decline to $143,000 next year.

Those savings, according to Schor, will now be allocated for other various parks improvements around the city. A new entrance and sign were also installed at the Groesbeck Golf Course this year, and an online tee-time system and bag drop/cart pick-up system has also helped to streamline golfer access over the last several months.

LEPFA President and CEO Scott Keith also labeled the course as a “recreational gem” for Lansing, and said his staff will continue to take every opportunity to improve the customer experience and play over the coming year.

Editor's Note: This story was corrected to accurately reflect the city's expected subsidy in 2019.

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