Bayberry Hills Golf Course is poised to become a cornerstone of Yarmouth’s $207 million municipal sewer project, as town officials unveiled plans to recharge nearly 900,000 gallons of treated effluent daily beneath the course’s landscape. DPW Director Jeff Colby informed the Golf Enterprise Committee that the current groundwater discharge permit at the Buck Island Road treatment plant covers only 17% of the capacity needed for Phase 1, making the golf course’s high-elevation terrain essential for the town’s wastewater goals.

Colby explained that the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) prefers the spine of Cape Cod for recharge due to the significant distance water must travel to reach the ocean. At Bayberry Hills, the distance to groundwater is approximately 60 feet, compared to just six feet at the Buck Island site. To minimize disruption to play, the town is exploring subsurface disposal via 20 large-diameter leach pits installed within cart paths, as well as systems beneath the driving range or parking lot. DEP likes to see water going into that spine where it has a long distance to travel to get to the ocean, Colby noted, adding that the project would utilize storage ponds to handle irrigation needs. Director of Golf Scott Gilmore called the integration a significant benefit for the enterprise, stating, It is a big win for us. We were in a drought this entire year where we had to shut water off. This gives us water security.

While the wastewater project promises long-term infrastructure stability, the committee also addressed immediate fiscal pressures by reviewing a proposed 5% across-the-board increase for membership and daily fees. Gilmore noted that Yarmouth is entering a period of significant capital expense, including septic work and cart barn projects, while remaining a self-sustaining entity that receives no tax dollar support. In a specific rate adjustment following the completion of construction, the committee voted to restore the Links membership rate to its historical alignment with the Young Adult tier. Motion Made by T. Deckel to approve raising the links rate to 400 to return to the original fee schedule. Motion Passed (5-0). Vice Chair Ted Deckel clarified the reasoning for the hike, noting, You're just returning it back to its original schedule because they're no longer being denied access.

The committee spent significant time refining a new "Member Guide," part of a broader shift to transition terminology from passholders to members. Staff members Jake and Ian presented a draft booklet designed to be kept in golf bags, though committee members raised several concerns regarding tone and clarity. Member Barbara Lavoine questioned the harshness of proposed suspension rules for minor infractions like failing to replace divots. The first time I read this, I thought it was a little outrageous. It sounds a little harsh, Lavoine said, suggesting that language be added to ensure penalties remain at the discretion of management to account for accidents or emergencies. One member suggested that the guide should be framed more as a Code of Conduct, noting that the rules should be presented in a more positive light to encourage better member behavior.

Pace of play and ranger authority were also central to the policy debate. The committee discussed empowering rangers with GPS data from carts to identify and assist slow groups. Vice Chair Deckel argued for flexibility in the 2-hour cancellation window during inclement weather, suggesting that weather-related cancellations are at the discretion of the staff so members aren't penalized for rainy mornings. Chair Ellen Chapman highlighted the need for consistent enforcement of cart rules, observing that at Bass River, everybody just drives all over the place. The committee also explored modernizing the dress code to reflect changing industry standards. Staff member Jake noted that mock collars are common now and that many clubs no longer require traditional polo shirts for all players.

The meeting also touched on the administrative burden of refunds, with Gilmore advocating for a formal medical documentation requirement to ensure checks and balances before the committee votes on rebates. Member Jerry Niedermeier joined the committee in a unanimous vote to approve the previous meeting's records, while Member Frank Zappulla supported the various procedural updates to the policy manual. The committee expects to continue the discussion on non-resident rates and the broader 5% fee increase at its next session as it prepares for the upcoming capital budget cycle.