Tone shifts in golf course discussion

City officials struck a more upbeat tone last week about the future of its municipal golf course, with the new restaurant operator receiving special praise and also an updated lease.

When the topic of the course on Wayne Avenue came up at the Sept. 9 commission meeting, there was no reference this time to the possibility of divesting or repurposing, only a quick reference to assessing the affordability of any upgrades.

The future of the New Smyrna Beach Golf Course was tossed into question at an August 6 budget workshop when a city official announced plans to hire a consultant in fiscal 2026 to weigh whether to invest in, repurpose or divest the course.

The city has budgeted $30,000 for the study, and it will start sometime in the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

At the latest meeting, City Manager Kevin Cowper said “a professional” will “analyze what we have and what we need to make the golf course as competitive as it can possibly be. It is a historic golf course, and people will come to New Smyrna Beach to play this golf course. They go to Pinehurst and other places to play golf courses by the same designer.” He listed some questions that the study will address: “Do we need a new clubhouse? Do we need better, upgraded facilities? What would that do to the cost of a round of golf and all those things?  And can we afford to do that?”

Commissioner Brian Ashley called the course a “hidden gem” that “needs to be somehow marketed as a super special place, because it is. So, I’m glad to hear that we’re doing that study.”

The discussion of the study arose during consideration and approval of an addendum to The Grille’s lease for the restaurant at the course. The Grille, which replaced Tiano’s in March, must now begin beverage-cart service for golfers starting on October 1. The city will receive 10% of the net revenue.

“This vendor, I think, has done an outstanding job with the services that he’s offering to the golfing community, and the public at large,” Cowper said.

Also under the addendum, the city and The Grille will split the $30,000 cost of a new cooler-freezer combo. The city will purchase it and ultimately own it. The Grille will pay back the city for its share in monthly installments of $332.

The addendum also shifts the lease’s basic terms. Under the original lease, the city had the option to extend the lease when it expires on September 30, 2029. Now, the option to extend belongs to The Grille, meaning the city would be committed to extending the lease. The original lease provided for a five-year extension, but that’s been shifted down to a two-year extension. These changes give the city flexibility to make a change sooner than if it exercised a five-year extension, but also gives The Grille more stability by allowing it to extend for two additional years, if it chooses.

“We’re delighted with the partnership,” said Mayor Fred Cleveland.

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