Hogan Park Golf courses - Shameful
The golf course at Hogan Park is an embarrassment. For a city of this size and with a strong economy like we all enjoy; it's a down-right shame that the golf course is so shabby. Midland should have a first rate public golf facility. There is no reason that I can think of way it's not. Other than perhaps the city just doesn't care. Perhaps the City of Midland should not be in the business of owning and managing a golf course? Seriously.
I don't play the course all that much. And... I understand many people in Midland do not play golf at all. Fine. However, there are many thousands of men, women, teens that do play there. Golf courses are expensive to operate. However, my most recent visit to HPGC was shocking. Yes, I know there is a drought. But that's only a part of it. In a nutshell HPGC needs an almost complete do-over. Starting with the actual two courses and then on to the clubhouse and pro shop.
Let me give you a few examples of the poor condition I've found recently and have noticed the last few years.
The cart paths in many areas are worn out and need repair or replacement. Tee boxes are unleveled, poorly shaped, and eroded. Ball washers, tee-markers, benches, etc are junk in many cases. Sand bunkers are poorly shaped/maintained. Numerous areas around the course and cart paths with severe erosion. Many fairways in poor condition in certain areas. (mostly on Roadrunner) Greens in varying degree of good (acceptable) or poor condition. These are but a few examples. In general... the courses need much general and extensive maintenance.
The clubhouse/grill is a joke. It's outdated, worn and tired. It needs to be enlarged and upgraded. Completely. It needs an enlarged food and beverage preparation and serving area. In general it needs to be raised to a higher standard. The pro shop is a small, cramped, outdated facility. It needs a complete enlargement and upgrade. In general it needs to look like and run like a pro shop. Not some after thought of a room stacked and stuffed with golf equipment. The driving range needs a do-over also. Figure it out and do it right.
The City of Midland needs to either be in the golf business or get out. To bring the course at Hogan Park golf courses up to first class municipal golf course standard (which it should be) it's going to take money. Lot's of it. Water is now a huge issue in Midland. Golf courses need lot's of it. HPGC needs new sources of water (wells) and they must... must install a treated water system for the greens. Green fees must be raised. They are too low. So what will "rich" Midland do? Keep operating a 4th rate somewhat junkie golf eyesore of a course or commit to making Hogan Park Golf courses the finest municipal facility in West Texas. Midland is always bragging about what a great place this is to live and even retire. We brag on our community theater, our new preforming arts center, our college, our football and baseball complex and our can do sprit. But, then we have a goat ranch of a public golf course and facility. It's time for the City of Midland to invest in golf. If not then sell the place to a professional golf management company and move on.
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Originally Posted by bigfatfurrytexan
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