Since 1985, Western Hills Municipal Golf Course has tried to be a main draw for Hopkinsville and the surrounding communities.
Officials would certainly like to see that continue.
During Tuesday morning’s Christian County Fiscal Court meeting, its Executive Board Member President Kirk Dulin and PGA Golf Professional Darren Wittenburg laid out all of its experienced growth since 2019 — and what yet remains to make the 18-hole gauntlet a better place.
Dulin noted a US Golf Association assessment in 2019 led to certain recommendations that have since easily been met.
One major hurdle, however, remains.
A second issue, he added, is a growing need for several capital projects — especially as rate of play increases. During the 2019-20 fiscal year, more than 20,300 rounds were paid for and completed. Last year, there were more than 26,700 rounds played, and 2026-27 is expected to be more.
Total cash balance, he said, has fallen from more than $250,000 in 2023, to around $50,000 now, and a 10% increase in fees was needed to help balance the budget.
Wittenburg, meanwhile, said players come from everywhere.
This time two years ago, Wittenburg said, was the best quarter Western Hills ever experienced, and he said things are trending in “the right direction.”
Still, Dulin said the location needs a little caddying.
Magistrate J.E. Pryor and Wittenburg discussed the “out-of-town” dynamic the course has experienced.
Wittenburg said the fairways were upgraded to Bermuda bluegrass two years ago, which has enticed more players to roam the links because of improved conditions.
Magistrates John Bruce and Phillip Peterson assured there are financial requests for grant aid and one-time investments not only through the Pennyrile Area Development District, but also through local, state and federal authorities.
Bruce, who also sits on their board, confirmed that offering private cart storage has already served Western Hills well, and that it will begin paying dividends once the construction note is paid.
Leased public carts, however, lost their protection — when recent tornadoes lifted the roof off the shed.
A new cart shed and bathroom design, as well as new pro shop, Dulin said, has been drawn by Chris Spurr Architecture. Total construction cost, as of two years ago, would be about $2 million.
The group is publicly asking for $175,000, annually split between the city and county.
