Commission weighs stricter cart rules, ranger staffing and tournament limits after summer incidents

At a meeting of the Pro Town Commission members discussed a suite of operational changes intended to reduce cart wear, manage outing behavior and limit taxpayer exposure for large events.

Peter DeFazio, a resident, urged a review of the commission's cart rule that allows up to two carts per foursome and proposed requiring players to pair up when possible to reduce fuel use and wear on carts and turf. "Why should we let a golf cart go out if it doesn't have to?" DeFazio asked, noting other courses pair riders by default.

Commissioners and staff described contributing factors: the current carts are stored outside, sunlight and weather degrade seat materials, and staff acknowledged the single-cart surcharge is rarely enforced. The group discussed operational options including enforcing existing surcharges, investing in better cart storage, pursuing electric carts with GPS for geofencing, or changing the cart rule in contracts for outings.

Staff outlined the rangers' role during outings: wellness checks, first aid, pace-of-play management and monitoring for unsafe behavior. Commissioners suggested doubling ranger coverage for large outings and improving training and escalation procedures when intoxicated guests pose safety risks.

Scheduling and permitting were also central. Members said a two-tournaments-per-week limit was previously agreed but enforcement lapsed; they asked staff (Mark) to coordinate and to consider blocking start times for season passholders and limiting event size (one suggested cap: 144 people). Commissioners also raised requiring event organizers to provide liability insurance to avoid exposing taxpayers to repair or legal costs.

No immediate rule change was adopted. Commissioners directed staff to return with proposed contract language, enforcement options and costed alternatives for cart storage and ranger staffing.