Westport’s Longshore Golf Course is back in full swing in terms of player satisfaction based on a recent survey of 440 golfers, and use is up 23 percent so far this year, town officials announced today.
Use of Westport’s Longshore Golf Club is up 23 percent this year over last, according to a survey. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
According to Charles Haberstroh, Parks and Recreation Commission chairman, Longshore hosted more than 5,300 rounds of golf in May, the most for the month since 2004. June was up 5 percent with 5,553 rounds played, he said.
The combination of spectacular weather and the work of the Parks and Rec staff and ValleyCrest Golf Maintenance has rewarded our golfers this spring,” he said.
“We’re confident we can continue to provide a high level golf experience for our members and guests throughout 2015.”
According to Haberstroh, the Golf Advisory Committee recently surveyed town golf and hand pass holders to gauge their reaction to the course.
The survey revealed that many golfers and residents plan to golf more in 2015, with 35 percent indicating that they will play more and 62 percent saying they would play the same. Only 3 percent said they plan to play less.
He added that 97 percent said that they would recommend the course to a friend or colleague.
Haberstroh and First Selectman Jim Marpe credited the resurgence of play to the hiring in 2013 by the administration of former First Selectman Gordon Joseloff of ValleyCrest, a golf maintenance and management company in response to poor conditions at the course.
Following two super storms in recent years, a number of golfers had complained it was like playing on the moon’s surface.
“Their work on renovating the greens and their management and maintenance of the course is certainly a factor in these great survey results,” Haberstroh said.
Marpe, too, was pleased with the results.
“I want to express my gratitude to Valley Crest, the Parks and Recreation staff, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Golf Advisory Committee and the Golf Professional who consistently endeavor to make Longshore one of Westport’s finest community assets,” Marpe said.
“I am very pleased with the results of their efforts.”
The survey also asked the members to vote on their priorities for long-term improvements to the course.
Top suggestions included: adding food and drink options to the post golf experience; improving the condition of the driving range; developing a site plan to explore clubhouse options; adding practice nets; and improving the bunker conditions around the course.
