New Hollywood golf manager wants to make courses the best

The Midwesterners also have vacationed in Mexico, Hawaii, Arizona and California.

Among all those places, Florida was their favorite.

So when a golf management job opened in Hollywood, the Gauwitzes, from Peoria, Ill., were ready to change addresses.

``The city of Hollywood, they say, is the Diamond of the Gold Coast,'' Bill Gauwitz said. ``It's true.''

Gauwitz was hired from about 90 applicants as the city's general manager of golf operations, overseeing Orangebrook Golf and Country Club, Eco Grande Golf Course and Hollywood Beach Golf Course.

Assistant City Manager Cameron Benson said Gauwitz has the experience and vision to transform a low-key city golf operation into one that is more attractive to the public.

``I think he is the person to provide the type of leadership we're looking for that will turn all the pieces -- that at one time had become fragmented -- into a coordinated machine -- the driving range, the pro shop, the banquet facilities, the restaurant and lounge,'' he said.

Gauwitz had been interested in golf courses since he worked on one as a landscaper. For him, golf courses were an ideal combination of sports, outdoors, landscaping and people.

``I enjoy meeting with the golfers and the public,'' he said. ``They are out there to enjoy themselves. It makes me feel good that I participate in their recreation activity.''

Gauwitz received a bachelor's degree in recreation and park administration and horticulture from Western Illinois University at Macomb.

He worked nine years at Mount Hawley Country Club in Peoria and 13 years as golf manager with the Peoria Park District.

In Hollywood, Gauwitz will earn $25 an hour or $52,000 a year from the golf course fund.

The city's golf courses function independently from other city budgets. They operate as a business enterprise, running on what they bring in rather than from tax money.

Gauwitz, 45, said his goals include increasing membership, promoting the golf courses, broadening the programs for children and establishing a master plan for improving the beauty and quality of the courses.

``I want to increase the awareness [of the city courses] and provide excellent customer service,'' he said. ``By doing that, you're going to have people want to come back and play golf.''