Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of the clubhouse at Otter Creek Golf Course in Columbus, Ind., Friday, May 7, 2021. Tim Davis and Mitchell Eickhoff have been named as the new head golf pro and course superintendent, respectively.
Otter Creek’s management board is recommending the city of Columbus sell the Otter Creek golf course, given the financial requirements of maintaining the venue.
The Otter Creek Management board of directors announced its recommendation Wednesday evening following a board meeting, saying that the decision was the result of “thorough consideration.”
Board Chairman John McCormick called the course an “amazing gift” from J. Irwin Miller and Cummins, Inc but added that being a good steward of Otter Creek requires “the resources to sustain and return it to its stature as a top tier course.”
The board feels that a shift to the private sector is the best way to accomplish these goals.
“We don’t think it’s right to ask taxpayers, nor is the city necessarily able, to make the investment in current and future capital requirements to return the course to its full prominence and remain commercially viable,” said McCormick in an official statement.
The board noted that while the course was “marginally profitable” in 2020 and 2021 with the city’s support, the board does not think profits are sufficient to fund capital needs involving the clubhouse and golf course — or to support the original vision of Otter Creek as “a Championship Golf Course available for all to play,” said McCormick.
“Last year was among Otter Creek’s best years, posting more than 32,000 rounds, while continuing to grow and develop a profitable food and beverage business,” the board said. “With a Golf Now Five Star rating and 97% positive reviews, the golf course is in better shape than it’s been in recent history, but has capital needs for cart path repair, the course irrigation system, erosion control and tree removal.”
In discussing the course’s strengths, board members noted that Otter Creek brings in golfers from surrounding states who also benefit local hotels, restaurants and retail establishments.
“Our obligation to the community, to Mr. Miller’s vision, is to make sure it has the best chance to retain its historical position as a must-play Robert Trent Jones destination course,” said McCormick. “We think the odds are higher in the private sector. Like most businesses, you have to spend money to make money.”
Cummins gifted Columbus with Otter Creek in 1963, when J. Irwin Miller and the company agreed that a great golf course would increase Columbus’ attractiveness to people who choose to live in or visit the area. Robert Trent Jones and Rees Jones created the course, and Cummins donated land for an additional nine holes in 1993.
Otter Creek has been a public, city-owned course since it opened.
In January of 2020, Cummins decided to reduce its involvement in the Otter Creek Management Corp., and the city assumed full control of the course.
At the time, Mayor Jim Lienhoop noted that the 54 holes of golf found between the three city-run courses of Otter Creek, Greenbelt and Par 3 might be more than the city needed. This led to research into Columbus’s golf offerings and a number of discussions between officials regarding the future of the three courses, given the financial cost of subsidies.
While some of the scenarios discussed posed the possibility of closing all or at least a portion of Otter Creek, the option most seriously considered was that of closing Greenbelt. However, this move was vehemently opposed by a number of citizens, and all three courses remain in operation, thanks in part to financial support from the city.
Otter Creek’s management board is recommending that any bid process by the city communicate clear requirements for maintaining the venue as “a premier public course.” Additionally, existing customer obligations and 2022 passes are to be honored if the course is sold.
If city administration accepts the board’s advice, their recommendations on the course would be presented to Columbus City Council for approval.
