(Sept. 21, 2017) Although hard financial numbers are still forthcoming, early indicators appear positive for reviving the bottom line at Winter Quarters Golf Course in Pocomoke.
The fate of the 45-acre course, in operation since 1934, was hotly debated prior to approval of Pocomoke’s fiscal year 2018 budget on June 19.  
Although financial losses at the course were estimated at approximately $180,000 during the current fiscal year, the town opted to grant the municipal operation a six-month lease on life based on a suggestion from Councilman Dale Trotter.
After Christmas, the council plans to examine the impact of revamped marketing efforts and may amend the current budget to permit the links to remain open.
While a firm decision has yet been reached, Councilman George Tasker said, based on a recent uptick in course activity, he feels confident the more the 80-year-old town amenity would survive.
“We’re not going to shut it down,” he said. “It’s not on the agenda.”
Winter Quarters Club House Manager Blair Mott said, from her purview, activity has increased precipitously because of an improved marketing campaign.
“The advertising is really paying off,” she said.
Another boon has been a steady stream of golf tournaments, Mott said.
“We’ve been having at least one tournament every month, except during August due to warm weather,” she said. “That’s one way we’re raising money.”
In fact, this Friday the 21st annual Pocomoke City Lion’s Club Golf Tournament returns, and next Saturday the Fourth annual Shorty Harmon tournament, which benefits Pocomoke City Elks Lodge #1624, will be held.
While Mott said the course has a healthy contingent of Pocomoke regulars, she has also noticed an increase in players from the wider region.
“We’re getting older people from Chincoteague,” she said. “I have guys that drive from Salisbury three times a week.”
One patron even makes regular trips from more than an hour south in Cape Charles, Virginia, Mott said.
“I have my dedicated guys,” she said.
In a number of instances, Mott has crossed paths with tourists from as far as California and Canada, and has made a point of sharing the lengthy history of the municipal golf course and current efforts to keep the greens open.
“They feel that they’re contributing to the town,” she said.
She also noted travelers at local campgrounds have provided a steady stream of visitors to the course.
In addition to golf teams from Pocomoke and Snow Hill high schools practicing at Winter Quarters, Mott said there have been an increasing number of fresh faces swinging clubs, which she attributes in part to its social media presence on Facebook.
“We’re seeing younger people out here,” she said.
Recently minted City Manager Bobby Cowger, who said the first round of financial figures from fiscal year 2018 would be available later this month, also noted the course has seen increased business.
“It definitely has picked up, but it still has got a ways to go,” he said. “We’re committed to try to keep that place open.”
While a financial reckoning still looms at the end of the year, Mott said perhaps the most effective form of promotion has been word of mouth advertising highlighting the merits of the unpretentious playing environment.
“People wear flip flops and casual attire,” she said. “It’s not stuffy.”

(Sept. 21, 2017) Although hard financial numbers are still forthcoming, early indicators appear positive for reviving the bottom line at Winter Quarters Golf Course in Pocomoke.
The fate of the 45-acre course, in operation since 1934, was hotly debated prior to approval of Pocomoke’s fiscal year 2018 budget on June 19.  
Although financial losses at the course were estimated at approximately $180,000 during the current fiscal year, the town opted to grant the municipal operation a six-month lease on life based on a suggestion from Councilman Dale Trotter.
After Christmas, the council plans to examine the impact of revamped marketing efforts and may amend the current budget to permit the links to remain open.
While a firm decision has yet been reached, Councilman George Tasker said, based on a recent uptick in course activity, he feels confident the more the 80-year-old town amenity would survive.
“We’re not going to shut it down,” he said. “It’s not on the agenda.”
Winter Quarters Club House Manager Blair Mott said, from her purview, activity has increased precipitously because of an improved marketing campaign.
“The advertising is really paying off,” she said.
Another boon has been a steady stream of golf tournaments, Mott said.
“We’ve been having at least one tournament every month, except during August due to warm weather,” she said. “That’s one way we’re raising money.”
In fact, this Friday the 21st annual Pocomoke City Lion’s Club Golf Tournament returns, and next Saturday the Fourth annual Shorty Harmon tournament, which benefits Pocomoke City Elks Lodge #1624, will be held.
While Mott said the course has a healthy contingent of Pocomoke regulars, she has also noticed an increase in players from the wider region.
“We’re getting older people from Chincoteague,” she said. “I have guys that drive from Salisbury three times a week.”
One patron even makes regular trips from more than an hour south in Cape Charles, Virginia, Mott said.
“I have my dedicated guys,” she said.
In a number of instances, Mott has crossed paths with tourists from as far as California and Canada, and has made a point of sharing the lengthy history of the municipal golf course and current efforts to keep the greens open.
“They feel that they’re contributing to the town,” she said.
She also noted travelers at local campgrounds have provided a steady stream of visitors to the course.
In addition to golf teams from Pocomoke and Snow Hill high schools practicing at Winter Quarters, Mott said there have been an increasing number of fresh faces swinging clubs, which she attributes in part to its social media presence on Facebook.
“We’re seeing younger people out here,” she said.
Recently minted City Manager Bobby Cowger, who said the first round of financial figures from fiscal year 2018 would be available later this month, also noted the course has seen increased business.
“It definitely has picked up, but it still has got a ways to go,” he said. “We’re committed to try to keep that place open.”
While a financial reckoning still looms at the end of the year, Mott said perhaps the most effective form of promotion has been word of mouth advertising highlighting the merits of the unpretentious playing environment.
“People wear flip flops and casual attire,” she said. “It’s not stuffy.”