Date of annual NGA Pro Tour event changed

GAINESVILLE - The National Golf Association Pro Golf Tour (formerly the NGA Hooters Tour) has been disappointed with the annual event they have been staging at the Chattahoochee Golf Course on Gainesville's north side for the past four years.

And their frustration has nothing to do with the course, the community or the club.

They are frustrated with the area's weather.

Rodger Hogan, Director of Golf at the city-owned course, sat before the City Council at their work session on Thursday and shared his concerns and his plan to remedy the situation.

"We've always hosted the tournament in March," Hogan said. "In 2010, we were able to get all four rounds of the tournament in."

"In 2011, we had bad weather and we were able to get just three rounds in due to the weather," he continued. "In 2012, the tournament was completely rained out. And then last year we struggled through Saturday to get two rounds in and got completely rained out."

"So the tour has approached me and said that they're not interested in coming back in March, but they would love to come back because everybody loves the golf course. So they've asked if we can host the tournament in May."

Hogan said tour officials have asked to use the course the week of May 19.

Hogan said that hosting the tournament would mean closing the course to the general public during that week, a week that is one of their higher-revenue weeks.

"But I know the first year we had it, we realized that we were bringing almost a quarter of a million dollars into the city of Gainesville," Hogan said.

"So that's where we stand. I'm looking for your blessing."

Hogan added that Milton Martin Honda has indicated that they still want to be one of the major sponsors should the tour include Gainesville on their schedule.

"I say, 'Go for it!'" Councilwoman Myrtle Figueras said.

Other council members quickly gave their approval, as well.