Fernandina Beach Golf Course battles heat, turf disease and e-bike vandals

FERNANDINA BEACH — Extreme heat, scant rainfall, a recurring turf disease and e-bike riders tearing across greens battered the Fernandina Beach Golf Course in August, contributing to fewer rounds and forcing managers to restrict play while damaged greens recover.

“There was rain around,” Biggers said. “It just wasn't always hitting us.”

Total golf course revenue for the month was $132,821, slightly below August of last year. The amount collected in green fees per paid round edged up, however, from $31.66 to $32.03.

Several greens on the north nine developed pythium root rot, a turf disease that Biggers said has been a recurring problem. He attributed it partly to the age of the greens and partly to weather conditions, particularly the summer heat.

Soil testing confirmed pythium root rot along with other fungal problems. Three or four north-course greens became bad enough that the course restricted play while maintenance crews treated them.

“They are coming back, which is great,” he said.

Biggers said the repairs are intended to get the course through until next year, when the city would like to undertake a larger renovation of the practice area and putting green.

Committee members reported young riders on e-bikes entering the course and riding across greens.

“There were four kids on e-bikes on the green tearing up,” he said. “And so, like any good father, I yelled at them. And they yelled back at me.”

Staff members and golfers are being asked to call police when they see the riders and provide descriptions of clothing, helmets, bikes and the direction they are traveling.

The course had sold 203 annual memberships through August, 113% of the number budgeted for the year. Biggers said changes allowing memberships to begin throughout the year rather than concentrating renewals in October and November have helped increase sales.

Food and beverage revenue fell 25% from the previous August, although it remained 23% above August 2024. Biggers attributed much of the year-over-year decline to two events held in August 2025, including a Fisher Investments luncheon and a large rehearsal dinner, that together generated about $5,000 to $6,000.

The course is also headed toward higher prices.

The commission is scheduled to consider the rates on second reading Sept. 15. Biggers said the approved rates would be posted afterward and would take effect with the new membership cycle beginning Oct. 1.