Gilbert Moncada, the new golf pro at the Douglas Golf Course, has been busy the past three months he’s been on the job trying to help the 18 hole facility achieve its full potential.

Larry Blaskey/Douglas Dispatch Gilbert Moncada, Douglas’ new golf pro.

Moncada, who comes to Douglas from Tucson, began his new job Dec. 6 and says he’s been busy working on course conditions.

“We’re hoping to get this place back where it needs to be,” he said. “When I first arrived here the conditions were a little rough but with a little TLC (tender loving care) this place can come back pretty quick.”

Moncada’s responsibilities include overseeing the golf course as well as the restaurant and golf shop.

‘I also provide individual lessons,” he said. “We’ll also be starting up clinics here in the next few weeks.”

Individual lessons run about 30-40 minutes, he said and cost around $20.

“The lessons can be for anybody,” he said. “Beginners to excellent golfers.”

Moncada says he’s seen other courses and how they manicure golf course greens, fairways, tee boxes and setting up the course to where it’s playable.

The Douglas Golf Course has been averaging at least two tournaments per month Moncada said. There was a ladies golf tournament held there this past week and Moncada says a Nike Demo Day event is planned for April 9 where Nike reps will come in and show off their products.

“We’re getting ready to start working on the Labor Day tournament,” he said. “We want to bring it back up to where it once was.”

The Labor Day golf tournament is one of the oldest golf tournaments in the state.

Moncada says he likes being in Douglas and the opportunity to run the facility was intriguing.

Three months into his job Moncada says the restaurant has been the area where he has spent a majority of his time trying to get the place up to par.

“Looking at the course we’re actually on track to get it back in really good shape,” he said.

Moncada says he has five people working for him in the golf shop and five in the restaurant.

Golf shop hours are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. while the restaurant hours are from 11-4 Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday through Sunday 11-7 and open till 8 on Friday's.

The dance hall at the golf course can also be reserved for special events by calling George Lopez at 417-7339.