9-05-06

Chalk opens buffet line for September

Chalk Mountain Golf Course has launched an "all you can eat" discount program in September, aimed at lifting sagging revenues at the Atascadero property.
"It's a promotional test," said managing partner Joel Clay Tuesday afternoon. "It will be interesting."
The monthly card will allow unlimited golf for as little as $50 for those who own a San Luis Obispo County volume discount card. County senior card holders pay $60, adult-card holders pay $70. People without the county cards can play all month for $80.
As of Sept. 5, Clay said about 100 people have signed up for the program, which is being promoted through Chalk's e-mail program. Those e-mails reach about 1,000 golfers, said Clay.
Depending on the reception, the discount program may be used again in October, said Clay. While not getting full value on the price of rounds, Clay said his business may benefit from increased concession revenue, such as range balls, carts and food. It will allow people to get out and play a few holes in the evening on a regular basis, he added.
Depending on the September results, he said, the discount program may be modified if it is continued into October.
Chalk Mountain is one of three county-owned facilities and total rounds at the golf courses have been in a decline in the past few years as new facilities have opened and the economy struggled through a downturn.
Numbers vary each month, but SLO County golf course manager Ray Festa said Tuesday recent numbers have not been promising.
Golf courses throughout the county reported slower play this past spring because of a wet and late rainy season.
In July, there was a year-to-year decline in rounds at Chalk and Dairy Creek Golf Course. Morro Bay State Park Golf Course numbers for July went up compared to 2005.
August, the final full month of the summer tourist season, was less promising, said Festa.
"August was not a good month," he said. "We were down at all three golf courses."

--Larry Mauter