Future Outlook for San Felipe Springs Golf Course

Carlos Ayala has been hired as the Golf Course Business Manager, as of April 1, 2025.

The San Felipe Springs Golf Course has struggled with profitability for years, profits steadily declining since the City of Del Rio acquired ownership in 2015. Major golf course improvements are required, but the municipal business is not profitable enough to reinvest in itself. The San Felipe Spring Golf course has been kept up by money from the city’s General Fund for years. To prevent shutdown or emergency sale, the city is making big changes.

The golf course is in rough shape. Original infrastructure dates back to the 1920s. There are significant safety concerns. Trees and structures are falling down. Pedestrian and cart bridges are deteriorating or damaged and urgently need to be replaced. Many greens are infested with invasive species, patchy, and uneven. Temporary tee boxes are being used. The onsite food and drink vendor has been evicted, and cannot be replaced until litigation subsides, and a new vendor is secured. TABC license hasn’t been held for more than one year. The city itself is not allowed to hold a TABC license, so an outside party must be contracted if the golf course wants to sell beer to golfers.

A $20,000 increase in the Golf Course supplies budget was approved by City Council, to replace the greens on holes 4 and 7, “which have been affected by nematodes and fungus,” according to city records. Funds have also been approved by the City Council to replace a few of the pedestrian and cart bridges. All of them eventually need to be replaced, but the city is treading lightly, replacing only the most critical structures first. Funding is being prioritized for safety concerns, and to get the course “back up to par,” said Carlos Ayala. 

Pedestrian Bridge being replaced to due safety concerns

Golf cart bridge being replaced due to safety concerns

Carlos Ayala has been hired as the Golf Course Business Manager; a new position never before held in Del Rio. Previously, a Superintendent led the Golf Course, managing all groundskeeping and business-related activities. Now, the role has been split in two – a dedicated Business Manager who can focus on sales and membership development – and a Grounds Manager responsible for course maintenance. Ayala’s main goal is to get Golf Course profits “out of deficit.”

Ayala was introduced to the Del Rio Golf Course Commission on April 23, he started working the role April 1, 2025. Ayala explained his experience in sales and team leadership, saying “I have a really good feel of how to deal with customers and how to get the best out of teams.” He said he takes pride in his work and sees the Golf Course staff as a team. Ayala went on to say, “I played golf at that golf course before, but I never realized how special it was… the history and the heritage it has is very important. It is a very important asset for this community and this city, and I will do my best to honor it.”

The Golf Course Commission expressed interest in dissolving and starting a private group, called something like “Friends of the Golf Course” instead. Stakeholders believe removing the bureaucratic red tape of the commission will allow them to make more progress and operate as an individual donation entity such as Rotary Club of Del Rio. The City of Del Rio started the commission in 2015 when they acquired the Golf Course and needed guidance on how to run it. 10 years later, they have a better understanding and no longer require a formal commission. Now, they would instead prefer a group of donors who can help with improvements.

Carlos Ayala was introduced to the Del Rio Golf Course Commission on April 23

With limited funds and a ticking time clock, creative problem solving is required. Carlos has already made big changes, his focus in community partnerships and improved course gameplay quality. His top priority is whipping the greens into shape. For example, in the one month since his employment, Ayala has installed countless signs reading “no carts beyond this point” across the course, to help prevent grass wear and tear. He has analyzed the golf shop inventory and identified certain items the golf course has been selling for less than they paid, at a loss. The Golf Course commission said, previously the Golf Course “could never get an accurate accounting.” Ayala has already implemented changes to rectify this.

Greens have been damaged by golf cart misuse

Greens have been damaged by nematodes and fungus

Historical preservation is a key motivator behind San Felipe Springs Golf Course continuation as a City of Del Rio municipal facility. According to city records, it is the first golf course built in Texas, in 1921. The course was designed by John Bredemus, a famed architect. Bredemus himself is known as "The Father of Texas Golf" due to his extensive career and efforts to establish the game in the state. The course is also featured in the true story behind the movie, “The Long Game.” Beyond its significance in golf history, the land the course occupies is also historically important because it was previously inhabited by indigenous peoples due to its location near the springs along San Felipe Creek.

This historical context means that any design or construction work on the site requires close coordination and permitting with the Texas Historical Commission. Ayala also hopes to attain historical distinction for the Golf Course, thinking it may help attract visitors or provide more access to grant funding. The land's historical significance traces back to 1542 when it served as an “oasis for explorers, soldiers, freighters,” according to the Texas Historical Survey Committee signage onsite.

Keep an eye out for new upcoming events and community engagement activities at the golf course. Ayala said, he is “thinking outside the box.” The next upcoming public event will be a celebration of the “350th Anniversary of the first recorded mass in Texas,” held at the Golf Course on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11AM. Normally, the course is only accessible to golfers and members, other activities cannot take place around golf because of rouge flying golf ball safety concerns. But technically, it is a public park open to all.