New City Golf Course in Doubt

The chances for construction of a municipal golf course in Camarillo appear bleak, at least until the city can find a stable source of income for the proposed facility, City Manager William Little said.

“It appears that a municipal golf course project is beyond the fiscal ability of the city of Camarillo to undertake at this time,” Little said in a memorandum to the City Council.

Little said a new trash transfer station in Camarillo could provide the needed revenues, but that proposal may be in jeopardy because Oxnard officials are pushing to have the regional facility located there.

Camarillo Councilman Michael Morgan said many residents have expressed interest in a municipal golf course and have complained that the city’s only public course is too crowded and expensive.

“We need another public course,” Morgan said. “The one at Camarillo Springs is always full. You can’t get on there weekends, period.”

But in light of the city’s fiscal plight and the poor economy, Morgan agreed that the $5-million to $10-million course will have to wait. “Without a stable revenue source, I don’t want to take away from services in our city just to have a golf course,” he said.

Ron Stevens, manager of Camarillo Springs Golf Course, said the only times that golfers have a problem finding a spot are Saturday and Sunday mornings.

In response to complaints that the Camarillo Springs course is too expensive, Stevens said weekend rates to play 18 holes can go as high as $40, but cheaper rates are available later in the day and on weekdays.