A local South Jordan hotspot, Mulligans, known for its amenities like a driving range, mini golf, and batting cages, has revealed the work that goes into maintaining such a beloved community resource. In a recent episode of "City Jobs," Mayor Dawn Ramsey rolled up her sleeves to get firsthand experience of the daily grit needed to keep Mulligans in top shape, according to the City of South Jordan.
Mulligans, praised not only for its leisure facilities but also for its operational self-sufficiency, which eschews reliance on the city's general fund, generates its own revenue through user fees. This pecuniary independence allows for continual reinvestment into the site's maintenance and development, ensuring visitors can enjoy a well-kept environment. Mayor Ramsey experienced the meticulous care that goes into patching up the grass tees on the range using a combination of sand and seed, a task performed diligently by crew member Josiah Jenks. "It’s a daily task that keeps the range green and playable for thousands of visitors each season," Jenks explained, as per the City of South Jordan.
The process of maintaining the golfing greens is multifaceted, involving not just filling divots, but also the collection of golf balls, a staggering 40,000 per day. Mayor Ramsey, under the guidance of Jake Heine, took on the daunting task of manning the ball picker tractor, finding the repetitive motion therapeutic until "golf balls started to hit the tractor." Changes are also regularly made to the holes on the course by staff like Kaiden Eckman to preserve the turf and offer players a varied game experience, and Ron Mrocek meticulously mows the greens each day in the early hours of the morning. Ramsey joined Mrocek to try her hand at mowing, following the lines while alternating directions to mitigate turf stress.
In addition to the heavy-lifting mechanical work, improvements have been made to the mini golf course, underpinning Mulligans' broader commitment to an enjoyable patron experience. According to a statement from Rocky Miller obtained by the City of South Jordan, recent enhancements include new pumps for the waterfalls, blue dye for pond maintenance, and improved lighting for evening play.
