City buys out golf course

The Blackfoot Municipal Golf Course is opening up their first season as a city owned golf course. They’re one of the last courses in the state to switch over from private ownership.

“Golf, it’s a special kind of challenge,” said assistant golf pro, Beau Hoskins
Over time the sport of golf has declined; there are more courses closing across than nation than opening.

“It’s extremely difficult,” said Hoskins. “Some days it can be easy some days it can’t.”
The declining numbers influenced golf pro Mike Dayley to let the City of Blackfoot buy out his course. Revenue from the course could be a help for city funding.

“The city took over all the merchandise and golf carts,” said Hoskins.

Dayley will still manage the shop, so the friendly faces will remain the same.

“Everybody here gets to keep their job,” said Hoskins. “It could have gone the leasing way where people could have potentially lost their jobs.”
The city employment will also provide benefits to employees.

“You know, I have a wife and a kid,” said Hoskins. “I get insurance now. My baby gets insurance. It’s fantastic. It helps out so much.”

Overall, the 4-year transition to city ownership has gone smoothly.
“Like Mike was saying, 95% of people won’t even notice a change,” said Hoskins.

Green fees have stayed the same throughout the transition. There are also twilight rates available and punch passes.