The golfers of Port Townsend are to be commended for their efforts to save the golf course. They organized. They attended all public meetings en masse, wrote letters to the Leader, and erected yard signs in support of their cause. A pro-golf constituent even offered up his own alternative plan which he claimed provides more public access for uses other than golf.

Per the city of Port Townsend’s website, the city’s annual financial obligation for the operation of the golf course over the last four years (2018-2022) has ranged from $30,000 to $50,000. Very reasonable.

Unfortunately, according to a 2019 study completed by the National Golf Foundation, the PT course is in need of maintenance and infrastructure repair to the tune of approximately one million dollars “to bring it up to standard and become a viable golf course.”  The city of Port Townsend has decided not to pursue these recommendations. There is not an extra $1 million in the unicorn budget.

If the alternative golf course plan presented by the citizen can qualify for state grants, as have the other plans presented by the city, then it should be up for consideration. If the plan cannot qualify, the pro-golf contingent needs to accept one of the city’s plans, or pay for the course maintenance and infrastructure upgrades themselves. The tax-paying citizens of Port Townsend cannot be expected to subsidize golf course capital, operation and maintenance costs that benefit only a small percentage of the city’s population. 

If the extra $1 million did exist, just imagine how many potholes could be filled and toilets safely flushed. Now that would be for the greater good.

Jacqueline Breslawski
PORT TOWNSEND