2010 EVENT SCHEDULE June 19 American Legion 3 Person Scamble July 10 Ken Pond Memorial 3-Person Scramble June,  2010 Dear Garden Golfer:  It is my sad duty to inform you that Garden Golf Course will close for golf July 17, 2010.  My dad and I worked to build this course together, and giving it back to Mother Nature is a very difficult thing for me to do. I’m sure, knowing how often you have the course to yourself, that this is not a big surprise.  The business has been struggling for about 5 years, as gas prices, fertilizer and other energy costs rose, memberships and open play has drastically declined.  It’s easy to see the problem. Over the years I’ve tried various things without success to help boost business and decrease expenses, for instance: ·         Lowered membership rates hoping to get more members who would pull in additional non-membership business ·         Worked to improve the quality of the course to draw additional local business ·         Studied new forms of course maintenance to decrease fertilizer and chemical costs ·         Advertised in Wisconsin to draw golfers from out of the local area ·         Began some business diversification by adding vines and wine tasting ·         Appealed to the tax review board to have exorbitant property taxes reduced ·         Advertised the course for sale for ½ the price of its taxable value At this point we have exhausted all of our funds, new ideas and physical energy and realize we cannot continue. It was my sincere intention to maintain the course through this summer and fulfill all the obligations I feel have been made to my members.  I think it can be said that I conduct business with integrity and do my best to keep my promises to my customers, employees and vendors.  It’s very difficult to have to discontinue mid-season, however, I have peace of mind knowing I’ve done everything possible, and as I look back, even some things that now seem impossible, to keep all the balls in the air. Initially, my plan was to maintain the course through this summer and then down-size to 9 holes next year.  Upon further review of expenses, it became apparent even this plan is not feasible.  The business is not generating enough money to pay for labor and chemicals to maintain the course in a playable condition. The club house will continue to be open for wine tasting and the club house dining room will be open on Thursday & Friday evenings with Open Jam on Thursday and Fish Fry and Buffet on Friday.  I would like to refund ½ of the year’s membership fee to you.  I hope you feel this is fair and will allow you to make arrangements to play at another local course.  You have been great supporters of the course over the years, and my appreciation for you cannot be overstated.   Later this summer I will begin liquidating all equipment, including golf carts.  Please let me know if you, or someone you know, have an interest in purchasing a cart or any of the other equipment.  Thank you for all the support you’ve shown over the years, and for all the good memories of you happily playing on the course that John and Sid built.  Times and circumstances change, but I’ll always remember you in the good place the course holds in my heart.  Sincerely, John Lucas