(Sept. 28, 2017) The first round of fiscal-year 2018 revenue numbers from the Winter Quarters Golf Course were reviewed by Pocomoke City Manager Bobby Cowger during the city council meeting, last Monday.
Continuing operations at the 45-acre course, which has existed more than 80 years, was a source of contention during the budget approval process this summer. After losing roughly $180,000 during fiscal 2017, the council opted to maintain the municipal operation for six months and revisit the topic after December.
During July and August, Cowger said the course collected more than $26,000 in revenue, but recorded expenses of more than $31,000, creating an operating loss of about $5,000.
However, Cowger said that compared favorably to the same period last year, when course revenues were more than $22,000, but expenses totaled more than $42,000.  
“At this time last year they were at about a $20,000 loss in two months,” he said. “It’s on a better track than it was, by far.”
Cowger also said golf cart rental fees jumped from roughly $7,800 last July and August, to more than $15,000 during the first two months of this fiscal year.
“The play was double what it was last year,” he said.
Councilmember George Tasker attributed that perception to recent marketing efforts aimed at luring in more golfers.
“It’s obvious that it was never advertised enough,” he said. “I think it’s a good idea [if] we find some revenues to be able to do the same thing again.”
Mayor Bruce Morrison agreed the revamped advertising campaign should be continued.  
“That’s the only way it’s going to work,” he said. “You’ve got to advertise it.”
Cowger said he would provide the council additional updates as more financial data becomes available, prior to reexamining the topic early next year.