Payson views golf course as growth key

PAYSON — In a very competitive Utah County golf market, Gladstan Golf Course officials are hoping to increase business by making the Payson course safer and more enjoyable to play — and possibly a golf getaway destination for tourists.

Officials are considering a redesign that would replace holes No. 7 and No. 8 — holes considered by many golfers as Gladstan's two worst and most unfair. Golfers also have to cross Elk Ridge Meadows Drive to get to the uphill par-4 No. 7 and then again to get back to downhill par-3 No. 8, which makes playing the holes unsafe and a liability concern.

"We don't want (the golf path) to cross the road," Gladstan pro Jack Lomento said. "It's a liability. It's an accident waiting to happen."

A proposal under consideration is to sell the property where the two holes sit for a housing development and to buy other land adjacent to the course to replace the two holes. The plan would generate funding for the changes, add two improved holes and move golfers away from street traffic and homes.

City officials would also like to lure a hotel chain to build a resortlike getaway adjacent to the course, which could also add golfers to Gladstan's daily tee-time sheets.

"That's pure speculation at this point, but this area is primed for growth," Lomento said.

Another proposal, which would generate revenue, is to sell the RV park property that is surrounded by holes No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 for the development of course-side homes.

"We don't want a slug of homes in there, just a nice area," Lomento said.

The City Council will decide on the final plan but likely not until this summer when it approves next year's budget, he added.

The city has socked away $650,000 for the planned improvements and would add more to the funds as the city sells the two holes and the RV area for development.

Gladstan finished about $50,000 in the red last year, but almost every course in Utah County had the same fate because of a glut of new courses opening in recent years.

Although last year's money tally was disappointing, Lomento says it is doing better this year, largely because of nice weather.

Payson keeps its golf course going by transferring money out of the water or electrical budgets, officials say, but the biggest challenge is coming from an oversupply of golf courses.