PRINCESS ANNE — The newly-released audit of the county’s books show Great Hope Golf Course lost less money last fiscal year compared to FY20.

From July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021 the county-owned golf course reported a net operating loss of $479,429 which was nearly $115,000 less than the prior year.

The county also transferred less money from the general fund to cover the losses, $390,000 last fiscal year compared to $460,000 in FY20.

The FY21 audit covers the first full year of the coronavirus pandemic. During the time of COVID-19 restrictions Gov. Larry Hogan on May 7, 2020 announced that golf courses could reopen as it was considered a safe, outdoor activity where social distancing was possible.

This act brought out the public that was restless after weeks of “cabin fever” and the limited amount of activities they could take part in.

Certified Public Accountants UHY LLP, which conducted the county audit, also reported there was “good management of expenses” this past year, with a “spike in revenue” attributed to the Skipjack Super Pass. These passes provide discounts for golfers not only on the course but also for purchases in the Caddy Shack, and “are extremely popular with golfers.”

Great Hope is the county’s major enterprise fund which does not generate enough revenue to cover expenses. The losses have been getting smaller, however, with the net loss in FY19 nearly $606,000 and more than $648,000 reported in FY18.