GolfNewsRI

The Rhode Island Golf Association (RIGA) has issued a statement regarding their bid to operate and manage Triggs Memorial Golf Course for the next ten years or longer. 

As GolfNewsRI reported, of the three bids, RIGA bid the most money at just over $3 million, with more than $9 million committed in improvements to the course and facility during the lease. 

“We have a vision to manage the course that will return it to its glory and make it one of the most renowned municipal golf courses in the nation. The reality is the facilities and clubhouse are badly outdated and the course needs major upgrades and repairs. We are committed to significant capital investments in both the course and clubhouse. These investments will require a long-term vision and a long-term commitment. It took decades for Triggs to fall into its current condition, a turnaround will not happen overnight, but we have a comprehensive plan for both the immediate and future years to ensure a full restoration,” said executive director Bob Ward in the press release. 

According to the release, there will be a public hearing on October 26 at 9 a.m. It does not say where exactly the hearing will be held. 

READ RIGA BID HERE 

“This is Providence’s only 18-hole golf course and the members of the community it serves come from a very diverse customer base. They all need to be involved in the future of Triggs. We want to ensure robust programming that encourages golfers of all ages and capabilities. We want Triggs to be something the community can be proud of and take pride in,” Ward added. 

Recently, a GolfNewsRI poll conducted over the last month or so shows that Rhode Island golfers want RIGA to win the Bid. 

SEE RESULTS in SLIDESHOW BELOW

The RIGA Bid 

According to the press release: 

“If the RIGA is the successful bidder, it will create an annual scholarship program that will be funded through daily greens fees by contributing $1 for every round of golf played on an annual basis, which will generate approximately $45,000 each year for the scholarship program. A percentage of the funds will be directed to the John P. Burke Caddy Scholarship Fund, which would provide a resident of the City of Providence a four-year scholarship toward their college tuition. The remainder of this scholarship fund would be used to fund community programs in conjunction with Triggs and the Button Hole Golf Course. The RIGA would also create multiple teams to play annually in the PGA Junior League. This is an annual program that was created by the PGA of America. The RIGA will also host all Providence school systems that compete in Rhode Island Interscholastic League competitions. The RIGA will help create and fund a golf team for all high schools in the city. The RIGA envisions Triggs being the home course for all Providence School system golf teams. The Rhode Island College golf team will also be welcomed back to Triggs as its home course.”

Community and Labor Leaders Back RIGA 

As can be seen in the bid itself, RIGA has gained support from community and labor leaders in Providence and across the state. 

“Triggs is a wonderful recreational space and a gem of a golf course, we strongly believe that the RIGA will be a great steward of the facility and more importantly provide affordable access and opportunity for less privileged Providence youth and residents to learn and play the game,” said Don Wright, executive director, Button Hole Golf Course.

In the bid, Button Hole submitted a letter to the City of Providence calling on RIGA to win the bid. 

In the press release, RIGA says they will work with the Rhode Island Building Trades to create Golf Works Providence, a program to teach all aspects of the golf industry. 

“The RIGA is uniquely positioned to elevate Triggs to the next level. I look forward to collaborating with Bob Ward and his team to create community-based employment opportunities with the Golf Works Providence program. Partnering in this program will create initiatives that will bring a new generation of workers into the golf industry.  We are hopeful decision makers will look favorably upon the RIGA bid,” said Michael Sabitoni, president, Rhode Island Building Trades.

“As the head of several computer science education initiatives for adults and youth, I’m excited to hear about the RIGA’s plans to engage our youth in Providence.  I look forward to the possibility of conducting learning camps focused on the science of golf. This would be a win for the neighborhood and the course as well,” said Arnell Milhouse, CEO of the CareerDevs Computer Science Institute. 

There is a public hearing next week on October 26 at 9 a.m.

It is unclear at this point when the final decision will be made.

GolfNewsRI Poll Results: