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Surging popularity of golf evidenced at Erie County courses

Submitted

Wed, Aug 21st 2024 04:00 pm

Grover Cleveland, Elma Meadows golf courses experience increases in number of rounds played, golf pass sales; county investments at courses total over $1 million since 2018

Submitted by the Press Secretary to the County Executive

Erie County golf courses are experiencing a surge in attendance and rounds played, with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry reporting a 29% increase in total rounds played since 2018, and an increase of 64% in total golf pass sales over the same period.

County golf course investments are keeping pace with the heightened interest in the sport, with over $1 million invested in irrigation, drainage, bunker and tee box renovations, cart path replacement, and other course improvements since 2018. Other improvements to the county’s courses include the addition of new golf carts, new pull carts and new rental sets systemwide, as well as renovated wing walls and lighting at Grover Cleveland.

“As golf has exploded in popularity nationwide, we are seeing a commensurate rise in the use of our courses here in Erie County, with both Grover Cleveland and Elma Meadows hosting more golfers and more rounds played each year since 2018. During the same time period, we have invested over $1 million in our courses to provide better experiences to all golfers who are enjoying a round with us,” Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said. “More improvements are in store or underway, including the restoration of the Schenk House at Grover Cleveland, as we continue to make our parks and golf courses better for all.”

Parks’ department personnel have also completed numerous in-house capital projects such as renovations to the courses’ halfway houses and starter shacks, painting, and other upgrades. The Parks Department will be unveiling a new tee time system in 2025.

Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel added, “Our courses are being enjoyed by more young golfers than in the past, thanks to a deeper partnership with The First Tee of WNY to encourage youth participation in golf. In addition, these improvements have been key to our being selected to host one of 10 regional qualifier tournaments for the National Links Trust Championship, dedicated to expanding access to public golf courses nationwide. We are being recognized for our work, and this is an exciting time of growth for golf at our Erie County courses.”

For more information on Erie County golf courses, visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/golf.

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