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Virginia Beach National Golf Club Set for Major Repairs
VIRGINIA BEACH — The Virginia Beach National Golf Club, a key attraction for the city, is confronting significant repair needs which require an investment of millions to restore its condition.
As part of an initial phase of restoration, $1.4 million has been allocated for repairs at the golf course located off Princess Anne Road. This decision was approved by the Virginia Beach Development Authority during their meeting on July 9.
A recent audit conducted by the city revealed multiple issues, including deteriorating lakes in need of dredging and cleaning, along with structural concerns at the clubhouse. Problems cited include rotting eaves and fascia along the roof, mold present in the restaurant area, and a ceiling that is compromised due to leaks.
“This golf course is quite beautiful, but we must address the 23-year-old infrastructure,” said City Auditor Lyndon Remias during his audit presentation, emphasizing the structural parallels to home maintenance. “You could have a pristine garden, but if your roof is in disrepair and the air conditioning fails, the overall condition suffers,” he remarked.
The decline in the golf course’s upkeep can be traced back to 2019, when the city lost a key economic development employee who oversaw assets for the development authority, leaving a gap in management that went unaddressed.
“No one was there to take responsibility,” noted development authority chair Lisa Murphy during a past meeting, reflecting on the lack of oversight.
To address these challenges, the city has appointed Pam Witham, a planner from the city department, to take charge of the authority’s various assets, which encompass more than two dozen properties throughout Virginia Beach.
“We are committed to addressing the identified issues promptly,” Witham stated in a phone interview earlier this week.
The audit report, which can be accessed at virginiabeach.gov, also highlighted inconsistencies in procurement processes related to earlier improvements carried out at the golf course.
The management of the golf course falls to Virginia Beach Golf Club LLC, a private entity that contributes monthly payments to the authority based on a portion of revenues generated. Additionally, the company is responsible for remitting 25% of net income exceeding $100,000 each year.
In the last fiscal year, Virginia Beach National reported a net profit of $740,000. Heron Ridge Golf Club, managed by the same private entity, registered a profit of $669,000, as reported by the city.
The audit spanned fiscal years 2021 to 2023 and assessed the existing policies and procedures at the course for the first time. It was found that the semi-annual inspections mandated by the management agreement were not being conducted, and that approvals for prior improvement projects were often sought only after their completion, in violation of city procurement protocols.
Preparations for addressing the repairs have already begun, with the authority shelling out over $100,000 for facility assessments in recent months.
According to Witham, the total estimate needed for all structural repairs on the course properties is around $1.9 million, with an additional $5.7 million required to restore the 11 lakes to meet environmental standards set by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.
The golf course spans more than 300 acres and features an 18-hole layout designed by renowned architects Pete Dye and Curtis Strange, as well as a clubhouse that includes a full-service restaurant.
Annual inspections of the lakes, conducted by the city’s Public Works department, have indicated that several are in “serious” and “degraded” states, yet these findings were not communicated to the authority as required.
In response to these issues, Murphy established an asset management committee to prioritize repairs, aiding in the assessment of the audit report and facilitating discussions with the course operator regarding necessary maintenance.
At the July 9 meeting, Witham communicated plans to prioritize repairs to the clubhouse, with approximately $400,000 earmarked for roof and gutter replacement and an additional $200,000 for new air-conditioning units. Provisions for moisture damage contingencies have also been included.
A lake located at the rear of the course is set for enhancements at a cost of about $520,000, according to Witham’s report.
“Further repairs will be addressed as funding becomes accessible,” Witham added in a statement made after the meeting.
Currently, the authority has a balance of $2.1 million designated for capital improvements at the golf course. Initial repairs will be financed from the proceeds of prior land sales in the Corporate Landing Business Park and Innovation Park.
Virginia Beach National Golf Club, originally known as Tournament Players Club of Virginia Beach, began operations in 1999 on land that was once a bean field, aimed at positioning Virginia Beach as a notable golfing destination. The city contributed $3.5 million towards the development of the $15 million project, as recorded in archives from The Virginian-Pilot.
Despite these efforts, the golf course struggled to meet financial expectations, leading to the city’s acquisition at a cost of approximately $4.5 million in 2006 to retain control over the property.
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