Some additional staff is being added to the new clubhouse at Westwood Golf Course in Newton. This week the Newton City Council approved the hiring of two part-time cooks at an hourly rate of $12 to $14 per hour, which is expected to raise the city-owned golf course’s expenses by $20,000 to $30,000 per year. At-Large City Councilman Randy Ervin feels the additional cost is well worth it.

“What a great place. So if we can get some part-time cooks in there and get the momentum going forward, I don’t know why we wouldn’t. This is awesome!”

The new Westwood Golf Course Clubhouse opened June 30th, and features an expanded menu that includes pizzas, Chicago dogs, brats, and more. Newton Community Development Director Erin Chambers said it didn’t take long after opening to discover that some year-round, part-time cook help was needed. With the part-time cooks preparing the food, Chambers says the bar and service staff can provide better service to customers. The additional kitchen help will be paid out of the Westwood Clubhouse Golf Fund.