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The PGA golf pro who has been managing Roswell’s Nancy Lopez Golf Course at Spring River for the last five years will continue as the manager for all operations of the city-owned public course. The Roswell City Council Aug. 10 unanimously approved an agreement with Carlton Blewett for golf course management.

The agreement begins Oct. 1 and is scheduled to continue for four years through Sept. 30, 2021. The agreement requires a PGA golf pro to be maintained on staff, so Blewett will also be allowed to continue in his position as course pro should he choose to do so.

Under the terms of the partnership agreement, the city will provide the facilities necessary for the golf course operations, as well as utilities such as water and electricity (excluding power for charging of golf carts). The city will also take care of grounds and facility maintenance (excluding janitorial and cleaning services). Blewett will operate and manage all pro shop, concessions and golf activities and will collect the revenue from those. The agreement has a revenue share that provides the city all greens fees, membership fees, event fees and facility rental fees. The city will also receive 22 percent of cart fees. To cover costs associated with providing golf management services, Blewett will keep the bulk of the cart fees. He will also retain the revenue from the pro shop, golf lessons, and other services such as concessions, although if alcohol sales are eventually established at the golf course, the revenue sharing for that will be negotiated.

The agreement includes an annual city evaluation of Blewett’s performance in managing the course as both parties are committed to providing a high quality level of service. The agreement outlines the city’s expectations, which include the highest and best use of the course and the revenue it generates. The expectations further call for Blewett to establish partnerships with schools, youth organizations, nonprofit entities and charitable groups and boost participation in golf tournaments and local school golf programs.

Blewett was among the individuals and entities that submitted proposals following the city’s latest request for proposals for management of the golf course. The proposals were reviewed by a committee before Blewett’s proposal was recommended to the city council.

“We are excited with the continuation of this partnership,” says City Manager Joe Nebb. “The course is in great shape and we have a committed professional on staff providing great service to our community.”

The golf course – named for now-retired LPGA tour player Nancy Lopez, who was a Goddard High School golfer in Roswell and played professionally from 1978 to 2002 – was established in 1930. It was one of the first upscale municipal golf courses in Southeast New Mexico. The 18-hole course covers 144 acres of the area where the Spring River once flowed. It also includes a driving range.