Information for City of Polson
Purpose and Community Benefit
The Polson Bay Golf Association (PBGA) proposes to work together with the City of Polson to shift
the day-to-day operation of the Polson Bay Golf Course to the Association while the City continues
to own the course.
This proposal is guided by a simple principle: the golf course exists for the benefit of the public and
the long-term health of a City-owned asset. The intent is responsible stewardship, community
access, and reinvestment into the course itself.
Who We Are
The PBGA is a local, community-based organization made up of golfers, community members,
and individuals who are closely involved with the course.
Board Members
Josh Maki – Local golfer and resident, Chief Administrative Office (CAO) of S&K
Technologies;
Shelly Cottet – Local golfer, resident, and Polson Golf Board member. Chief Financial
Officer (CFO) of S&K Gaming
Roger Wallace – Retired,Longtime Polson Bay Golf Course Head Golf Professional,
resident, and from 1987-2022 Director/President of Links Management Golf.
Larry Ashcraft – Retired Commercial Airline Pilot, Restaurateur, resident, golfer, Polson
Golf Board and Polson Jr.Golf Board member.
2
Dave Cottington – Retired General Contractor, entrepreneur, resident, golfer, and Polson
Golf Board member.
Kiel Duckworth – Local golfer and resident, business owner and lawyer at Duckworth Law
Office in Polson.
The Association was formed through years of discussion among the golfing community and those
who care deeply about the future of the course. Its members are volunteers who share a common
goal: to see the Polson Bay Golf Course remain a strong, well-maintained, and accessible
community asset.
Why This Change is Being Considered
The City is currently burdened with operating the golf course. The current arrangement costs the
City both time and money. The financial cost is passed back down to the golf course, which affects
the ability to make the golf course better. We want to eliminate this cost, which allows
reinvestment into the golf course and frees up the City to work on other issues.
Like many municipal golf courses, Polson’s course operates within tight financial margins. While it
generally supports ongoing operations, there is limited flexibility for larger upgrades, long-term
improvements, and major reinvestment.
It is anticipated that operating the course through the PBGA may allow for greater operational
flexibility and efficiency over time. Any net positive financial performance under this model would
be expected to be directed back into:
Course maintenance,
Infrastructure and facility improvements,
Equipment upgrades, and
Long-term course sustainability.
The focus is on strengthening the course for the future rather than generating profit for any
individual or organization.
Other Montana Communities Do This
3
We did not invent this idea, we borrowed it from successful models including Buffalo Hills in
Kalispell and Whitefish Lake Golf Club in Whitefish. Both Kalispell and Whitefish found years ago
that that its City-owned course was better off managed by a group of locals, organized as an
Association. The arrangement is symbiotic – taking the burden off the City, preserving its asset
through reinvestment.
The similar successful arrangements between cities and local golf associations in Montana provide
confidence that this model can work well for Polson.
Public Access and Affordability Will Remain
We are committed to affordable public golf and maintaining our position as regional leader in that
regard. Polson has been a leader in affordability and access and we intend to keep it that way.
Nothing will change with regard to that purpose.
The golf course will remain a public facility. It will not become a private or members-only course.
Public access and community use will continue to be central features of the course.
Support for Youth and Junior Golf
The Association will continue to support the Mission Valley Junior Golf Association and youth golf
programs. Junior golf is viewed as a vital community benefit and an important part of the long-term
vision for the course.
Benefits to the City and Community
Benefits seen in other Montana Communities
Reduce the City’s day-to-day management responsibilities
Improve the overall condition and performance of the golf course,
Strengthen the long-term value of the City’s asset, and
Maintain affordable public recreation for the community.
Current Status
We prepared a draft Lease. We obtained a copy of the successful Kalispell (Buffalo Hills) lease
4
and modified the lease to fit Polson. We did not want to reinvent the wheel, instead choosing to
adopt a proven lease. We are awaiting confirmation of interest from the City of Polson before
working towards finalizing the lease and clarifying important issues (equipment transfer, bonds,
capital, etc.).
A full legal lease and operating agreement would be developed and presented to the City
Commission for review and approval at a later time.
Conclusion
This proposal reflects a collaborative effort to ensure the Polson Bay Golf Course remains a high-
quality, publicly accessible facility for years to come. By combining City ownership with Association
operation, the goal is to promote long-term sustainability, community benefit, and continued public
enjoyment of this important City asset.