I read with great interest the article in the Oct. 15 Deseret News, stating that the Salt Lake City golf entity is in trouble financially ($850,000, that is).
As a concerned citizen, I think waste has something to do with the problem.The reason for increased golf fees was because other recreation projects needed financial help to sustain their programs. There was a lot of criticism having to do with funneling golf funds to help said projects. Golfers all over the city voiced their opposition to this plan, but no one listened. The reason for the shortfall is because the backbone of the financial support of golf in Salt Lake City (the senior citizen golfer) went elsewhere to play golf where green fees are reasonable and are within their budgets.
On Sept. 6, my buddy and I played a round of golf at Glendale Golf Course. As we reached the north boundary of the course, we noticed a group of tennis courts (probably eight or 10 courts), and at 9 a.m. the lights were still on. There were 22 high-voltage lights on on one group. There were 20 lights on the adjoining courts.
My buddy took the time the next day to revisit the area. On both days we saw no players on the courts. There were no workmen around on either day. The lights had been on for at least two days or more.
It is my opinion that funds from golf should not be wasted in this manner. Heaven knows how many other similar situations exist for "other recreation programs."
Doug Quayle
Salt Lake City