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By Buzz Trexler
Star Correspondent
Every golfer likes to get a “mulligan,” an extra shot not counted on the scorecard, and the vendor who leases golf cars for use at Elizabethton Golf Course is giving one to the City of Elizabethton as City Council approved a three-year lease at $63,175 a year.

The city’s current lease with ClubCar expires in July, but according to documents it was negotiated by Hampton Golf in 2020 to extend into October of this year. However, according to Purchasing Director Greg Workman it was done without city approval.

The city currently pays a monthly rate of $4,495.50 — $83.25 per golf car for a fleet of 54 cars, one of which is missing, while another has a blown engine. The city Purchasing Department sought bids for a three-year lease for 54 golf cars and two utility vehicles that would serve as “range pickers.” Three vendors responded to the bid: Yamaha Golf Car, $59,770.56; E-Z Go Division, $81,278.64; and ClubCar LLC, $63,175.44.

“In reviewing the invitation to bid by all respondents, it is in the best interest of the city to remain with ClubCar LLC based upon the total financial impact,” Workman wrote in the summary presented to City Council. “ClubCar LLC has agreed to pay off all remaining lease payments after April of 2024 to include the buyout. This will save the city $140,908.45. In addition, ClubCar LLC, will not charge the city for the missing golf car on the current lease and will not charge for any damaged golf cars in the current fleet.”