ASHLAND — Brookside Golf Course finished 2021 in the black by nearly $100,000, according to a report authored by the secretary and treasurer of the course’s fundraising arm.
The Friends of Brookside Golf Course raised a record $72,859, according to a 2021 report addressed to city officials.
But after proceeds from the course’s operation, such as greens fees, cart rentals, outings hosted by the city and profits from the snack bar, the course finished with $96,882 in its account.
Gene Haberman, the secretary and treasurer of Friends of Brookside Golf Course, attributed the successful year to an exposure to the city-owned golf course that has been growing since 2018, the organization’s founding year.
“I think, too, unfortunately, the success of last year can be attributed to COVID,” Haberman said. “There were very few things people could do during that COVID experience. Another thing — you can’t look past the management out at Brookside.”
Haberman said there was talk among city officials back in 2017 that included closing the golf course because it “was a drain on the city’s resources.”
In 2018, the course was around $170,000 in the red, Haberman said.
The organization, since then, has worked to secure sponsors of holes and benches. They have also established a membership model that, together, resulted in the organization raising nearly $237,000.
The organization’s report pointed to highlights in 2021 that include the 50th Anniversary Walkway, continued improvement of cart paths, planting the city’s evergreen trees, the sale of benches and bricks and the creation of the Dan Priest Endowed Fund.
Some possible project ideas listed in the report include constructing a deck on the back of the clubhouse and an irrigation system.
“The irrigation system remain a high, but expensive, priority. It would clearly help make the course even more playable and easier to maintain,” the report reads.
Haberman said the 2022 season will likely start in either March or April and run through October and possibly into November, depending on the weather.
“We look forward to the 2022 season and some of the improvements being discussed for the golf course. We stand ready to assist with these proposed improvements and commit to improving and continuing our outreach to the community,” the report reads.
