January 8, 2024 |
Photo – Rochelle Ranch Golf Course – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Rochelle Ranch Golf Course advisory board president updated the city council last week on current and future projects.
At the January 2nd Rawlins city council meeting, Rochelle Ranch Golf Course advisory board president Timothy Hoffman provided the council members with a year-in-review for the city-owned course.
Hoffman began his presentation by mentioning the world records set by Kyle Berkshire in early October. The golf course advisory president said the long drive champion intends to return this year to attempt to break his own record. Hoffman said Berkshire’s world record created a lot of interest in the Rawlins golf course, a sentiment which Mayor Terry Weickum mirrored.
On October 2nd of last year, long drive champion Kyle Berkshire set the world record for longest golf drive and fastest swing. Berkshire set the new long drive record at 579 yards. Berkshire then broke his own swing speed record by clocking a club head speed of over 241 miles an hour.
Poor weather cut Berkshire’s distance record attempt short. The professional golfer said he plans to return to Rawlins sometime this summer to try to hit even farther.
Mayor Weickum said Berkshire chose the Rochelle Ranch Golf Course to set his world records because of the people who live in the city.
Hoffman said the Rawlins course is highly rated among golfers. The advisory board president said Rochelle Ranch is considered one of the most challenging courses in the United States.
The website, Golfers Authority, considers Rochelle Ranch to be the best course in Wyoming. For the past two years, Golfweek has listed Rochelle Ranch as the second-best course in the state. Golfpass and Trip Advisor rank the Rawlins course as the third and fourth-best golf course in the state, respectively.
Hoffman said in 2023, golf course memberships were up from the previous year. The advisory board president said the total number of rounds played and money made from cart rentals are also up from 2022.
According to documents provided by Hoffman, Rochelle Ranch Golf Course sold 25 more memberships this past year when compared to 2022. Hoffman noted that the population of Rawlins has decreased by approximately 10% since the last census report.
Hoffman said one of the goals the golf course advisory board accomplished in 2023 was replacing all 45 of its electric golf carts with gas-powered versions. The advisory board president said the gas carts are more reliable and easier to maintain than their battery-powered counterparts.
In early 2023, Rochelle Ranch began the process of replacing its fleet of 45 battery-powered golf carts with gasoline variants. At the time, then Parks and Recreation Director Jason Sehon said the electric carts would run out of power midway through a play session, especially in colder temperatures.
Hoffman said another goal met in 2023 was securing a $29,000 grant to purchase an indoor golf simulator. Hoffman said the top-of-the-line Track Man branded simulator will allow golfers to stay in practice throughout the winter, expand course pro Kevin Gannon’s ability to teach, and introduce a younger generation to the sport.
The city approved the $11,000 grant match towards the purchase of the golf simulator.
Hoffman said the golf course advisory board also painted and repaired several buildings on the course grounds, including the main club house.
In the future, Hoffman said the advisory board plans to improve the golf cart paths. Hoffman said the new paths will benefit more than just golfers.
Hoffman said heading into 2024, the advisory board will continue holding tournaments to increase revenue. The advisory board president also said advertising opportunities will be made available at the course driving range.
Hoffman also said in 2024, as thanks for donating the land and golf course, the entire Rochelle family and immediate family members will be offered free lifetime memberships.
