Those looking forward to another season on the links at the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club were no doubt relieved to learn that, finally, there's a new manager in place. This one, Golf Facilities Management Inc., has extensive experience running municipal golf courses in Lynn (Gannon) and North Reading (Hillview). The former, besides being an outstanding 18-hole track, also boasts a bar and restaurant that is one of the most popular gathering spots in the city during the season.
Gannon reminds some of what Beverly Golf & Tennis was in its heyday when the hilly course was regarded as one of the best public layouts in the state and there was a long waiting list for membership.
Councilors were wise to go along with Mayor Bill Scanlon's proposal to give the new management firm a five-year contract, since it will take time — and money — to bring the course and clubhouse back to their former glory. The smaller amount GFMI is promising the city — a little over half the $600,000 a year the former operator guaranteed — represents a more realistic appraisal of the club's revenue potential and increases the chances of it being a successful operation.
