Golf course services here for you, but need your support! Published June 9, 2014 By Col. John Shaw 21st Space Wing Commander PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Silver Spruce Golf Course faces an uncertain future. There are multiple challenges to overcome to ensure our golf course has a future at Peterson AFB. The multi-year drought, combined with continuous rising water costs, has taken a large toll on the SSGC's financial situation. The entire Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund suffers when a significant loss is seen in any one activity and adversely impacts our ability to recapitalize in golf and other activities like Outdoor Recreation, Aero Club, and Aquatics. One key issue is people just aren't playing as much golf. That's actually a trend seen industry wide. For SSGC, between FY11 and FY13, golf course usage was down by seven percent or 2,092 rounds. This fiscal year doesn't look much better with April down by 450 rounds alone. Peterson's golf activity isn't an anomaly - 17 other AF installations have also been recently flagged for financial losses. Leadership is attacking the water issue. The SSGC team has already reduced nozzle heads, excess watering off the tee boxes, trimmed water expenditure in the rough, and are experimenting with watering times. The intent is to reduce the watering footprint to the optimum level to maintain a pleasing, playable course for our customers while keeping costs under control. To save the golf course requires a community effort. Everyone can help; we all play a role. I encourage you to visit the course and play some rounds or come have breakfast or lunch. Consider purchasing an annual membership or bring a friend out to play a round. If your organization is considering an event, think about hosting a tournament or conducting meetings at the course. The entire MWR fund--from aquatics to The Club to Outdoor Recreation to golf--needs your patronage to continue to serve Peterson's Airmen and their families. Please take advantage of what they have to offer.