Golfers Discuss Membership, Pro Contract During Open Meeting

The Towers Men’s Golf Association (TMGA) and Towers Ladies’ Golf Association (TLGA) held an open meeting on Thursday, June 12, where members discussed a decrease in membership and the contract of golf professional Bob Guido.
TMGA president Ed Vesel began the meeting by stating there are currently 164 men golfers and 116 women golfers. He also encouraged members to share their suggestions of how membership can be increased.
“All of us who have been here a while know it’s been steadily going downhill,” Vesel said. “We haven’t yet reached that real precipitous drop but I guarantee it’s coming. Let’s do something about it.”
Vesel shared with those at the meeting a suggestion that a golfer had made to him. It was to allow golf members to bring guests who are not a residents to play at the Towers for half the current rate after hours. He also said that they are looking at the legal aspects of applying for an agreement variance with the city that would enable outside members to join the Towers Country Club.
In another effort to encourage more residents to become golf members, Vesel said that they are planning on have three says where there will be free nine-hole rounds of golf. The non-member residents will be able to select one of three days to play.
“Maybe we’ll capture a couple who might want to join,” Vesel said.
Golf members also expressed concerns over the contract of Guido, who currently has a one-year contract. Golfers have spoken about having heard Guido was offered a package that was a reduction in his current compensation package. Members have requested that negotiations begin for a three-year contract.
Vesel said that, prior to the petitions that have been circulated, the golf associations knew that Guido was being “put in a bind” and that the two associations gathered to prepare a joint resolution that was sent to the Board of Directors and management. The resolution requested that they negotiate “a fair and reasonable renewal contract with Bob Guido commensurate with his outstanding efforts here.”
Vesel said that the golf associations have since been “assured” that three-year contract negotiations will begin in July. He also said that TMGA and TLGA have requested to be a part of the process.
TLGA second vice president and tournament chairman Hilda Rosenfeld gave an update on behalf of the lady golfers. She said that, of their 116 members, five are new. She also said that, during their open luncheon, there was a unanimous vote to amend the constitution to add the nine-hole chairperson to the executive board. Rosenfeld also said that, beginning July 10, the ladies tournaments will be switched to Thursdays on a three-week trial basis.
Some of the upcoming golf events that were announced include the Ladies Member Guest on July 30, Babe Zaharias Tournament to benefit the American Cancer Society on July 15, and UJA Tournament and dinner dance on August 17.
Other issues that were discussed were moving the ropes that protect the greens and creating some sort of committee to orient new residents and let them know what is available.