By Mike Rowe

A little over two years after taking over management of what is now called the University Golf Course, Western New Mexico has agreed to relinquish control of operations. Alex Brown, Town Manager, has already begun a search for a management firm to take their place.

Athletic Director Scott Noble, who had direct supervision of golf course and restaurant operations, said it was not within the scope of WNMU operations to run the course in the manner it required. Noble said having 2 full time jobs, as athletic director and responsibility for the course did not allow him to devote the amount of time necessary to the course. NMSU and UNM, which both operate golf courses and restaurants have a full time general manager for those operations.

Western's tenure as management of the course for the Town of Silver City had been marked by a decrease in the quality of course conditions. Scott Park, has it has been known, had a reputation in New Mexico and SE Arizona for being one of the best conditioned courses in the area. That reputation brought golfers from all over to play, especially in tournaments like the recently held Silver Invitational.

Bar and restaurant operations had also not met expectations of Brown and regulars at the course. Recently, the contract with Sodexho, which operated the kitchen under an agreement with Western, expired. There was not a contingency plan in place which meant Bogie's Bar and Grill could not serve food.

Brown hopes to have an agreement in place quickly with a management firm. It is expected the company will operate both the course and the bar/restaurant.