New operator for Fairgrounds golf New operator for Fairgrounds golf (April 16, 2004)

Jetter Golf will run Pleasanton Fairways, driving range
by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

The golf operations at the Alameda County Fairgrounds have been awarded to a new outfit after being run by the Curtola family since it built the nine-hole Pleasanton Fairways in 1974. Leases were renewed at 10-year intervals, with the third one expiring this August. This is the first time the operations were put up to bid.

The Fair Board voted 18-3 on Tuesday night to award the contract to Jetter Golf L.L.C., which is owned and operated by Pleasanton residents Dana and Greg Jetter. Jetter also runs Spring Valley Golf Course in Milpitas. Three bids were received, including one by Randy Curtola.

The Curtola family started the driving range in 1987. Randy Curtola has been running the golf course and driving range since his father Roland phased out of the operations. He also started the Pleasanton Golf Academy in 1997.

The Curtola family has its share of fans who wanted them to keep the lease and expressed concern that the rates would go up under new operators. Fairgounds CEO Rick Pickering said recently that rates must remain the same for three years. They could be raised 5 percent after six years of operation and another 5 percent after nine years, in a 10-year contract.

"If they overcharge they will lose the market," said Pickering.

A report by Economics Research Associates had stated that the Fairgrounds should receive more income from the golf operations than the current $100,000. It also said renovations would cost up to $300,000 for an efficient operation, and identified upgrading irrigation systems, tee renovation, parking lot repaving, clubhouse improvements and fencing repairs.

Pickering also had said that the new contract would be a chance to "take it to the next level."

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