Replace Seattle's New Director of Golf

OUR POSITION:

1. If you care about the future of golf in Seattle, then you should sign this petition. When Mr. Soden was hired back in 2004, he brought a wealth of knowledge and a lifetime of experience that touched all facets of golf operations. In contrast, Mr. Wilkinson brings absolutely no experience working in the golf industry and we are extremely concerned that all of the progress that has been made under Mr. Soden's leadership in the past 5 years will begin to erode. We believe that Mr. Wilkinson should be replaced as the Director of Golf by someone who has a rich history with the game, and has clearly demonstrated their leadership skills in the areas of golf course maintenance, management, and customer service.

2. Mr. Soden was the first to establish a meaningful, long-term vision for golf in Seattle. This vision not only included elevating the quality of play at all four of our public facilities (Jefferson Park, Jackson Park, West Seattle, and Interbay) but also included overseeing the eventual construction of three new clubhouses, the building of two new driving ranges at West Seattle and Jackson Park, and the renovation of all on-course restrooms.* We feel it is extremely important that the Director of Golf continue to advocate for facility improvements and enhancing the overall golfing experience.

*For more information on the City's Golf Master Plan visit the following link: http://www.seattle.gov/Parks/athletics/golfcrse.htm

3. Revenues are up because the quality of play has steadily increased. The numbers are both indisputable and impressive. Despite these difficult market conditions, the quality of play and performance at the City's municipal golf courses has "improved markedly between 2005 and 2008, with total revenue up 19 percent during this period."* The number of rounds played has also increased steadily since Mr. Soden entered the picture, up nearly 20% since 2003**. These figures are a direct result of having in place a Director of Golf who understands all of the complexities and inner workings of golf course maintenance, management, and customer service. We want someone in charge who will continue to support Andy's long-term vision. Mr. Wilkinson is not this person.

* Seattle Parks and Recreation Golf Master Plan, May 2009
** City of Seattle Summary Report, February 2009

4. Mr. Soden's attention to detail and respect for the game were unmatched. It is impossible for someone who has never played golf, or been involved with any aspect of the game to fully appreciate the golfing experience in all its subtlety and nuance. Paying attention to seemingly insignificant details can make all the difference between having a mediocre golfing experience and having a great golfing experience. Mr. Soden understood this extremely well. He has spent a lifetime in and around golf and worked tirelessly to bring these details back into view. This is why we feel it is extremely important that his successor also be able to show the same amount of appreciation and respect for the game. For example, Mr. Soden is responsible for having starters on the first tee during peak playing hours, ushering golfers to the course and letting first-timers know what they can expect for the day's round. These kinds of improvements are sure to go unnoticed by someone who simply has not been around golf. Sadly, Mr. Wilkinson is this kind of person. He has never been involved with any aspect of the game his entire life, and yet Superintendent Gallagher feels he is the best candidate for the job. We fail to see how he can come to this conclusion.

5. Even if you DO NOT care about the future of golf in Seattle, you should still sign this petition. Golf courses add value to a community in ways that are often difficult to see. Below we have highlighted some of reasons why it makes sense to support a long-term vision for Seattle's public golf courses and continue working to improve the quality of our facilities for future generations.

6. Golf course revenues support other public programs that benefit the surrounding communities, families, and non-golfers. Revenues from the city courses go to fund other parks and recreation programs that address other community needs. If our city courses deteriorate due to poor or inexperienced leadership, then golfers will leave in favor of a more positive golfing experience somewhere else, revenues will drop and these programs will no longer be funded. We want to be able to continue supporting other community activities as we have so successfully done in the past, and we want our city courses to thrive so that surrounding communities can enjoy the benefits of green spaces other than golf courses.

7. Improvements to our city courses will only increase your property value. If you are a homeowner living near one of our public golf courses then you are going to want the City to continue improving the quality of these facilities. Studies have shown that the proximity impacts of a golf course are very positive for homeowners and extend beyond abutting properties reaching as far as those within almost a quarter of a mile.* Therefore, if the quality of a golf course near your home declines, it is safe to assume that your property value will also decline.

* Study conducted by the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Clemson University, January, 2003

8. Golf courses that are managed responsibly have a positive impact on the environment. A great example of this is the salmon recovery and stream restoration project that took place in Longfellow Creek, which runs south to north along holes number 12 and 13 at West Seattle. With an increased understanding of the environmental impacts from surrounding neighborhoods and golf course run off, Seattle Public Utilities joined in the effort to address declining fish populations, erosion, flooding problems, and poor water quality. Salmon began returning after having been absent for nearly 60 years as soon as barriers were removed and the water quality improved. This change came about without any outside intervention from Parks and Recreation officials. As well, the construction of a fish ladder at the north end of the West Seattle Golf Course, and fish rearing ponds off the main creek channel, will open the way for spawning salmon up along the fairways.

IN CLOSING:

Seattle has the fewest number of public golf courses per capita compared with every other major city in the nation. We owe it to ourselves, the employees who have worked hard to get us where we are today, the volunteers who donate their time supporting community programs, and most importantly, we owe it to future generations to protect what little we have, and to continue elevating the quality of these public courses. Replacing Andy with someone who has never worked at a golf course, has never played golf, and has never been involved with golf in any capacity is beyond understanding. Please sign this petition so we can let Mayor Greg Nickels know that we do not approve of this appointment, nor do we approve of the civic leadership that has been demonstrated by Superintendent Tim Gallagher, which, as evidenced by this decision, can only be characterized as irresponsible and out-of-touch with the needs of these facilities.

We thank you for your interest.