JUNE 27, 2025 |
Photo – Trackman Golf Simulator – trackman.com
In Rawlins, City officials have delayed the purchase of a golf simulator for the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course.
During his January 2nd, 2024, presentation to the Rawlins City Council, Rochelle Ranch Golf Course Advisory Board president Timothy Hoffman announced the Board had secured a $29,000 grant to purchase an indoor golf simulator for the club house. Hoffman said the top-of-the-line Trackman simulator will allow golfers to stay in practice throughout the winter, expand course pro Kevin Gannon’s ability to teach, and introduce more kids to the sport.
Audio PlayerThe City Council approved an $11,000 grant match toward the purchase of the golf simulator.
Since the January 2024 presentation, no public updates have been provided about the simulator, prompting questions about the status of the purchase.
Following up on an inquiry from a listener about the status of the plan, Bigfoot99 reached out to Rawlins City Attorney Pinita Maberry-Nave for more information about the project. In an email response, Attorney Maberry-Nave confirmed that the funds were awarded and the City did contribute $11,000 toward the project. However, the actual purchase of the simulator has been “thoughtfully delayed.”
Attorney Maberry-Nave wrote that the decision was made to ensure all the necessary logistical considerations, such as the best location for installation, operational staffing, software subscriptions, and ongoing maintenance costs, were fully addressed before investing in such a significant piece of equipment. Rather than rush into a purchase that might result in the simulator sitting idle without the proper support structure, Maberry-Nave wrote that the City and Golf Advisory Board have taken a prudent approach to ensure long-term success and usability of the project.
Bigfoot99 then asked if the $29,000 grant had been spent, to which Attorney Maberry-Nave responded, “the funds have not been spent. While the City did earmark funds to support the golf simulator project, the allocation remains unspent as the purchase has not yet moved forward.”
Attorney Maberry-Nave added that the City remains committed to bringing this amenity to the community in a responsible and sustainable manner.