The City has an amenity jewel in the Auburn Municipal Golf Course and has since a group of men and women banded together, bought property by the Green River in the ’60s and developed a nine-hole course with sweat equity. They eventually expanded to an 18-hole golf course after the City purchased the operation.

The golf course has been an important part of many, many peoples lives for more than 40 years now. This golf course has become a destination, and the Auburn community and the surrounding business region benefit.

It’s a blessing that the City can loan funds with payback interest to the golf course operation and clubhouse debt. Last year, the weather took a toll on all golf courses in the Pacific Northwest (the worst accumulative rainfall in this region in 35 years). Prior to that time, the golf course had expended several millions of dollars enhancing the course operation with capital projects, such as winning regional golf recognition for its No. 16 signature hole.

The men’s club is teeing up for a great 2011 season. The club is on track to hit its goal of increasing both membership, and tournament play bookings are looking very positive for 2011.

I look for a very bright future for the Auburn Municipal Golf Course. They have a great staff in the pro shop led by PGA professional Chris Morris. The maintenance crew does great work with a small crew led by Kevin Van. Copper Falls Restaurant is a great setting with wonderful views.

We look forward to seeing you out at the course.

For more information, visit the recently upgraded website, www.auburngolf.org.

– Joe Bauman, Auburn Golf Men’s Club president