Audit Says Portland’s Golf Course Program At Crossroads

Portland, Or. – A new report from the City Auditor’s Office says  the city’s golf program is losing money and the Parks Bureau should go to City Council with recommendations on how to fix that. Kari Guy says “the number of golf rounds is in decline. They’ve had years of deferred maintenance that left some facilities in kind of bad shape. Their contract management has been pretty loose and the contract structure is pretty complex.”

Red Tail, Eastmoreland and Great Heron Lakes Golf Courses make money. But she says Colwood does not and says historically, the Rose City Golf Course has been challenged. The program required an $800,000 taxpayer bail out two years ago.

Parks Bureau Director Adena Long  has sent a letter in response that says, in part, “While maintenance of aging facilities remains a challenge, the Golf Program
continues to be a good investment for Portlanders. PP&R’s courses consistently generate operating surpluses and provide valuable ecosystem services over 800
acres of open space and natural area. PP&R’s Golf Program is an industry leader with sustainable practices: all courses are certified Salmon Safe, two golf courses are designated as certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, and the program adheres to PP&R’s Integrated Pest Management Program.
PP&R is committed to implementing the audit’s recommendations and looks forward to sharing updates with you and the community as this work progresses.”