If good things are worth waiting for, Carlsbad's long-planned municipal golf course will provide a top-notch facility for residents and visitors alike.

The project, which took more than 18 years to receive state and federal approvals since it lies within the state’s coastal zone, surrounded by federally protected habitat. The golf course itself will be located along the north side of Palomar Airport Road at Hidden Valley Road.

In keeping with current efforts to maintain all city facilities at the highest quality in the most cost-effective manner, the Carlsbad City Council has selected KemperSports Management, Inc. to manage operation, maintenance and marketing of the golf course.

KemperSports has a 30-year track record of successfully developing and managing a wide variety of golf facilities. Jim Stegall, Senior Vice President of Western Operations, says his company was thrilled to be selected in the very competitive national search for a management company saying they were "honored to be part of this project."

KemperSports has maintained some of the finest tournament-quality golf courses in the United States and prepared them for professional tournaments including the 1989 PGA Championship. It currently manages 29 courses for municipalities and 50 privately owned courses across the United States.

Stegall says KemperSports was attracted to the Carlsbad project due to the excellent work already completed by the City of Carlsbad.

"Carlsbad has put years of planning into this project, and gotten support from its residents. It's building on a very dynamite site, with the clubhouse a focal point for the entire community," observed Stegall. "Planning and vision have been done very well."

He also explained that KemperSports brings years of experience and relationships to Carlsbad to assist with planning and operations.

"One of the reasons why an owner selects a management company is its best practices. We have national contracts with major suppliers. We've built relationships over the years with golf media and we'll help promote the facility from a public relations standpoint. We're not only managing but branding and bringing this facility to the competitive marketplace."

Stegall says KemperSports personnel are currently working with City staff, getting a complete understanding of the progress of plans and construction of the course. One of the first important objectives will begin to see action after a meeting between the City and KemperSports in mid-June: determining the process for selecting a course name.

What's In a Name?
"The plan is to get residents involved and generate a variety of different names," explained Stegall. "The name is very important from a branding standpoint. This course will have very high visibility, because San Diego County is an important golf destination. The name entails the spirit of the project. It can really put Carlsbad on the map with a premium facility in the country."

It's Not Only Golf Enthusiasts Who Win.
John Cahill, Municipal Projects Manager for the City of Carlsbad, points out the many benefits created by construction of the golf course.

"The opportunities are endless for community meetings, corporate outings, special events, and family events like weddings. We're very conscious of designing a facility that's extremely flexible… Even if you don't play golf, the project will provide something for you," Cahill noted. The facility will include a large outdoor event venue, a full-service pro shop and restaurant.

Cahill says there will be a number of special events planned for the community to enjoy during its opening week, expected in summer 2007, including golf exhibitions by men's, women's, and seniors professional players; and creation of an annual citywide golf tournament for the public.

Taking Nature Into Consideration
The construction of the course has been planned to make preservation of natural resources a priority. Construction has been scheduled to allow completion of the nesting season of the endangered California gnatcatcher, a bird that lives in coastal shrub habitat.

Visit the City's website www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us for information on the progress of the course.

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