Bangor Municipal Golf Course reports growth in rounds and membership; council hears multi‑year repair and cart leasing plans
May 14, 2026 | Bangor City, Penobscot County, Maine
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Rob Garvis, identified in the workshop as the golf professional for the Bangor Municipal Golf Course, briefed councilors on the facility's operations and capital needs at a May 13 budget workshop.
Garvis and Parks & Recreation staff said the 27‑hole municipal course is run as an enterprise fund and supports itself, contributing to Parks & Recreation reserves and the general fund in years with positive results. Garvis reported the course sold out membership (401 memberships) and that "in 2025, nearly 38,000 rounds were played at Bangor Municipal Golf Course." He noted junior golf and a new Monday league with about 60 participants as positive growth indicators.
On equipment strategy, staff described a leasing approach for golf carts rather than outright purchase. Garvis said the current lease covers about 60 golf carts (the prior lease was for 50) and that the last lease payment was "just under $39,000." He said about 60% of rounds now use a cart, and cart rentals are a meaningful revenue stream that also boost green‑fee income.
Capital priorities the course asked the council to consider include a two‑to‑three‑year renovation of bunkers on the championship 18, expanded tees to improve accessibility, cart‑path repairs using asphalt grindings from Public Works to reduce cost, and clubhouse work including roof replacement and HVAC upgrades. Garvis estimated a multi‑year timetable for major bunker work and urged councilors to consider building reserves or a visible retained‑earnings account for long‑term maintenance.
Councilors questioned lifecycle planning and whether the course had set aside funds in prior years; staff said the course has averaged roughly $130,000 in profit some years and that clearer reserve policies could help avoid concentrated capital requests in a single year. No formal motions or votes were taken at the workshop; staff said they will return with more detail during budget adoption.
Garvis and Parks & Recreation staff said the 27‑hole municipal course is run as an enterprise fund and supports itself, contributing to Parks & Recreation reserves and the general fund in years with positive results. Garvis reported the course sold out membership (401 memberships) and that "in 2025, nearly 38,000 rounds were played at Bangor Municipal Golf Course." He noted junior golf and a new Monday league with about 60 participants as positive growth indicators.
On equipment strategy, staff described a leasing approach for golf carts rather than outright purchase. Garvis said the current lease covers about 60 golf carts (the prior lease was for 50) and that the last lease payment was "just under $39,000." He said about 60% of rounds now use a cart, and cart rentals are a meaningful revenue stream that also boost green‑fee income.
Capital priorities the course asked the council to consider include a two‑to‑three‑year renovation of bunkers on the championship 18, expanded tees to improve accessibility, cart‑path repairs using asphalt grindings from Public Works to reduce cost, and clubhouse work including roof replacement and HVAC upgrades. Garvis estimated a multi‑year timetable for major bunker work and urged councilors to consider building reserves or a visible retained‑earnings account for long‑term maintenance.
Councilors questioned lifecycle planning and whether the course had set aside funds in prior years; staff said the course has averaged roughly $130,000 in profit some years and that clearer reserve policies could help avoid concentrated capital requests in a single year. No formal motions or votes were taken at the workshop; staff said they will return with more detail during budget adoption.
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