Bangor Muni posts another good year

BANGOR – A combination of good weather and recent improvements resulted in another good year for Bangor Municipal Golf Course.

Rounds played were up 7.5 percent and revenues from cart rentals increased about 16 percent for this year’s golf season, which ends with the last day of play today.

Because of that success, Parks and Recreation Director Frank Comeau and Golf Professional Brian Enman said Tuesday they were not requesting fee increases for the 2008 season. The golf course continues to generate enough income to support itself.

In his annual end-of-the-season report to city councilors, Enman noted that the men’s association “followed up a good year with another very good year,” with increased participation in tournaments, including the Last Call Open hosted by concessionaires Tina and Jeff Murdy, whose food and beverage service also was cited as a factor in attracting golfers to Bangor Muni. That contest, held in mid-October, drew more than 150 players, Enman said.

Play among women increased significantly from last year, Enman said, pointing to participation on Ladies Day as proof. In past years about a dozen women turned out on Thursdays, but this year 40 or more women played on several Thursdays. As a result of the increased interest, the 2008 state women’s golf championship will take place in Bangor next August.

Enman also said the golf course’s new maintenance building went into service this season. Though city councilors balked at its more than $600,000 cost, Enman said having tools and equipment onsite was a welcome change for staff members.

The former maintenance facility lacked heated work space, showers and restrooms, a wash pad, a lift and other essentials. It also lacked separate, ventilated storage space for fertilizers and fungicides, considered hazardous materials.