RI Golf Association Wants to Operate & Manage Triggs - Says Facility Currently is "Badly Outdated"
GoLocalProv News Team
RI Golf Association Wants to Operate & Manage Triggs - Says Facility Currently is "Badly Outdated"
The Rhode Island Golf Association (RIGA) is making a case to operate and manage Triggs Memorial Golf Course in Providence.
Executive Director Robert Ward released a statement on Wednesday, after the Providence Board of Contractors Supply recently unsealed bids to manage the course.
The Providence Board of Parks Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the matter on October 26 at 9 AM.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTAccording to RIGA, the course has been operated by the same management group for the past 33 years, and through its bid, RIGA has "committed more than $9 million in capital improvements to restore the Donald Ross-designed course."
“We have a vision to manage the course that will return it to its glory and make it one of the most renowned municipal golf courses in the nation. The reality is the facilities and clubhouse are badly outdated and the course needs major upgrades and repairs. We are committed to significant capital investments in both the course and clubhouse," said Ward.
"These investments will require a long-term vision and a long-term commitment. It took decades for Triggs to fall into its current condition, a turnaround will not happen overnight, but we have a comprehensive plan for both the immediate and future years to ensure a full restoration," he added. “This is Providence’s only 18-hole golf course and the members of the community it serves come from a very diverse customer base. They all need to be involved in the future of Triggs. We want to ensure robust programming that encourages golfers of all ages and capabilities. We want Triggs to be something the community can be proud of and take pride in."
RIGA said it is "committed to a long-term vision for the future of Triggs Memorial Golf Course that is community-based. An oversight committee would be established to include members of Providence community groups to ensure the surrounding area is fairly represented and programs are implemented in accordance with their collective vision."
Moreover, RIGA said if it is the successful bidder, it will create an annual scholarship program that will be funded through daily greens fees by contributing $1 for every round of golf played on an annual basis, which will generate approximately $45,000 each year for the scholarship program. A percentage of the funds will be directed to the John P. Burke Caddy Scholarship Fund, which would provide a resident of the City of Providence a four-year scholarship toward their college tuition. The remainder of this scholarship fund would be used to fund community programs in conjunction with Triggs and the Button Hole Golf Course.
RIGA said it would also create multiple teams to play annually in the PGA Junior League. This is an annual program that was created by the PGA of America.
In addition, RIGA said it will also host all Providence school systems that compete in Rhode Island Interscholastic League competitions, and will help create and fund a golf team for all high schools in the city.
RIGA said it will also work with the Rhode Island Building Trades to create Golf Works Providence, a program that will teach community residents all aspects of the golf industry, including: how to maintain the property, learning how to work as a grounds crew employee, learning the profession of agronomy, golf shop operations and inside and outside day-to-day operations of a PGA professional.