Tinker Golf course to remain open Published March 22, 2013 By Mike W. Ray Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Tinker Air Force Base golf course was on the brink of closure, but thanks to a dramatic financial reversal, the facility will remain open for at least another year. The golf course hadn't turned a profit in more than a decade -- until last year, after new management and a series of improvements by the entire golf course team. Col. Steven Bleymaier, 72nd Air Base Wing and Tinker installation commander, said that a year ago he briefed Gen. Donald Hoffman, then commander of the Air Force Materiel Command, about the golf course. "I told him that if we couldn't privatize the course, then we would close it at the end of the golf season if it was not financially solvent," Colonel Bleymaier said. This was scheduled to take place at the end of the golf season, March 13, 2013. The alternative was to "privatize" the golf course and facilities, but negotiations didn't pan out. "All the staff and golfers knew there was a high possibility that the golf course would be permanently closed if we could not turn things around," recalled Cathy Clark-Fleck, 72nd Force Support Squadron Community Services Flight chief. "I told the staff that the only way we could do this was if everyone was willing to roll up their sleeves and work harder but also work smarter. "We changed almost everything about the way we did business. We reviewed every penny that was being spent. We cut cost where it wasn't needed and put our money where it needed to be: out on the golf course. Ms. Clark-Fleck said all the staff were required to help out in every area, from customer service, cart attendant, range picking, janitorial, etc. "It was a team effort," she said. "When the grill was closed during the winter months, we offered coffee service and grab-and-go quick snack items. This kept our membership at the course, and they understood. During the summer, with a grant from HQ AFMC, we purchased two cooling misting fans to put on the course, and purchased hand towels to ice down for cooling golfers in the summer heat. "Most importantly," she said, "we talked face to face with our customers. They had full access to all the staff at the golf course and they could ask us questions at any time... and we had to listen. When it was something we could not afford, we told them why; they understood." Another improvement at the golf course was the remodeling of Mulligans Grill, which reopened last April after an extensive facelift. The project included construction of a service counter, installation of a non-slip floor in the kitchen, replacement of interior walls, dining room carpet, a new ceiling, electrical and lighting improvements, and a fresh coat of paint. James Broughton was hired last March to be the new superintendent of golf; he has more than 20 years of experience as a certified golf course superintendent. Under his leadership, the maintenance staff has improved the playing condition of the course. "Jim has worked with the best, including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and Tom Fazio," who, like Nicklaus, is a golf course architect, Ms. Clark-Fleck said. "He also has held the position of regional director of Agronomy over 35 courses in the central United States." In another personnel change, Ami Means was hired to be the golf course operations manager. Mrs. Means has seven years' experience with non-appropriated funds accounting and golf course operations. The golf course is projected to turn a modest profit again this year (April 13, 2013, through March 14, 2014), said Col. Julie Boit, commander of the 72nd Mission Support Group. The facility is self-sustaining, she emphasized; it is supported with user fees, not from appropriated funds. Almost 12,000 more rounds of golf were played on the course in fiscal year 2012 (28,445) than in FY2011 (16,501), said Ms. Clark-Fleck. Activity on the course last year was 23 percent higher than it was just four years ago (23,060 rounds), she added. "Our stretch goal this year is 30,000 rounds," Colonel Boit informed Colonel Bleymaier. "Such a turnaround is Herculean," Colonel Bleymaier said. "Against all odds, the base golf course experienced phenomenal success over the past year and achieved Art of the Possible results, and people like Jim Broughton and Cathy Clark-Fleck made it happen." The golf course will remain open "so long as it remains financially solvent," Colonel Bleymaier announced recently.