Despite OB Sports' efforts, golf numbers barely move

Canyon del Oro's Jaime Waltmire almost makes a long putt on the 9th hole during the final round of the 2012 Division 2 Boys High School State Championship at Silverbell Golf Course October 30, 2012.

When OB Sports took over day-to-day operations of Tucson’s five city golf courses, it inherited a notable deficit. The bunkers (sand traps) at Silverbell Golf Course had become unplayable after decades of neglect. Golfers avoided Silverbell and paid to play elsewhere. It is at the point the city might consider selling Silverbell to an independent party. But first, the city will pay about $70,000 to install proper drainage systems at Silverbell. If that works, and play increases, the city might consider repairing the similarly below-standards bunkers at El Rio, Randolph and Dell Urich. More golf: There has been chatter that the Tucson Conquistadores Classic, a PGA Champions Tour event, be moved to Randolph North. It would be more of a community event at Randolph, but the locker room facilities and parking issues are significant. Also, one year remains on the Conquistadores’ contract with Omni Tucson National. A bigger issue is whether the Conquistadores can sign a title sponsor.


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