Westwood Clubhouse can be rented during the off-season

Private facility rentals will be available outside of regular golf seasons when the new clubhouse at Westwood Golf Course is fully completed.

Newton City Council voted 5-0 to adopt a clubhouse facility rental policy and fee schedule during its June 2 meeting. Even though the clubhouse will serve as the main hub for activities supporting the golf course, staff did not want any private functions to interfere with the regular golf business.

Establishing a pathway for facility rentals during the off-season also provides the city with an additional potential revenue stream for the golf fund, and it increases the facility’s use during the winter months. According to city documents, only one rental would be allowed per day for $1,000 on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Off-season at the golf course is Nov. 15 through March 1 of every year. Golf events or outings that are scheduled by the golf course staff are exempt from this policy, as are events sponsored by the City of Newton. The rental fee is due at the time of reservation. The main contact must be at the event the full duration.

The clubhouse would be available for reservation from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily during the off-season. The maximum party size shall be dictated by the posted occupant limits for the facility, which will likely be set when the clubhouse is fully constructed. So far, the new clubhouse is nearing completion.

Holidays officially acknowledged by the city will not be available for rent. Renting the clubhouse allows private use of the seating area, private access to the golf simulators (rental fee of simulator not included) and use of bathrooms. There are no additional charges for set-up and cleaning.

Use of the golf simulators during private events requires participants to complete the required waiver and follow all golf simulator rules.

Outside food catering is allowed, but all beverages must be purchased from the clubhouse. Outside caterers will be responsible for set-up and clean-up, tableware, serving and food safety practices. Reserving parties need to communicate with clubhouse staff on the event details.

The city’s policy gives clubhouse staff the right to limit or prohibit activities. For instance, there can be no arts and crafts including the use of glue or paint, or use of glitter, sand, confetti or similar material. Affixing decorations to walls, windows, ceilings or furniture is also prohibited. No open flames are allowed.

Reserving parties cannot use nails or tacks. Activities that may result in damage or extra cleaning for the facility are not allowed.

Insurance coverage is required for reservations which involved the consumption of alcohol. Canceling reservations is free up to 10 days prior to the event. Less than 10 days notice on a cancelation will result in only 50 percent of the reservation fee being refunded.