Suspending the Player Assistant Program
David Moeller
From the comments that have been shared with me, it’s clear that members are aware that we are terminating our current Players’ Assistant (PA) program effective July 1st. It’s also clear that not everyone agrees with or understands the reasons behind our decision. That’s understandable. Let me try to put some context around this issue.
PA’s have provided a valuable service to golf operations. These folks have helped to keep operations flowing smoothly, encouraged groups to maintain pace of play, repaired greens and fairways, helped players when their carts broke down, provided assistance during special events, and generally helped provide a positive golf experience to those who use our courses. On behalf of the Governing Board, I would like to thank each of you for your contribution and service. Your work has been very much appreciated. So, having said that, the obvious question is why do we need to change the program.
Over the last six years, the PA program has come, gone, and come back again. It has been at times a paid position as well as a non-paid one. Basically, it has been in a constant state of change. Over the summer a committee of former PAs will be working with the GM to develop some options for a future program.
Fortunately, play is lower during the hot summer months and the impact of not having a PA on the course will be less than during prime time. However, there are measures that each golfer can take to help us. One, when you are on the course, take a couple of seconds to fix the divots on the greens and fill in holes in the fairway. Two, carry a cell phone with the numbers of the club houses on speed dial so that in case there is a problem or someone needs assistance, you can call for help. And third, when you are playing, it’s always a good idea to keep up with the group in front of you rather than the one behind you.
While we recognize that changing the existing PA program will not please everyone, I hope people will see that we are taking steps that are in the best interests of the Association, the golfers, and the PA’s. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact members of the golf committee, the Director in charge of Golf, Griff Williams, or our GM, Mike Whiting. Names and contact information can be found on the RCSCW website.
Dave Moeller
Hi Mr. Noble. We are looking at all legal and tax implications of our employee golf program. No decisions have been made. Any vote the Board takes would occur at a public meeting, and it will be posted on the corresponding agenda.
Hi Cher Petersen,
You are absolutely Correct…Golf Courses Nationwide allow employees free Golf! However I do believe RCSCW Board & Management has already decided to change this!
IRS Code section 132(a) provides eight types of benefits that are excluded from Gross income.Section 132(a)(1) No-Additional-Cost Service, and Section 132(a)(4) De Minimis Fringe. These two sections
are pretty much self explanatory. I believe RCSCW has already sought Legal advice on this matter and will vote to eliminate.
FREE GOLF for Employees in September
For my own info I have asked a Tax Accountant to check with the IRS
But I feel the decision has already been made.
Bill Noble
Hi Cher. You are correct that free golf is standard practice, but this generally means free “walk on” golf. Much of our free golf takes place during prime time, which therefore brings in the IRS issue. These tee times have “value” because they can be sold – whereas walk ons and summer tee times have excess capacity. We are still working through what this means for us, but we want to be in compliance while still giving our employees the best deal possible. We expect to have more information in September.
I have followed this subject and can appreciate following the IRS rules but I do have a question regarding them. It appears that Sun City West must be targeted to enforce this rule. As you may or may not know “free golf” is a standard procedure for all golf course employees
and ball pickers around the nation. Can you please enlighten me.
Thank you,
Cher Petersen
The Players Assistants, and the Marshals that preceded them were for the most part, were dedicated to their assigned duties.
However after golfing, observing the program for 16 years, and serving as Golf Committee Chair for two years I question the effectivness and value of several aspects of the program.
For one, and perhaps most important I have witnessed very, very few instances in which the PA’s were effective, or able to speed up play when that was required. This is due in part to the inability of many of our golfers to play faster due to age and or infirmaties.
I am in agreement with terminating the program.
Golfers must be responsible for their own safety while playing.