The city has hired a golf pro to manage the Wildwood Golf Course.

City commissioners advanced their new management structure for the municipal golf course Monday by hiring the first city employee with Pro Golfers Association certification.

City Administrator Scott Bovick introduced Jon Casey, 27, to replace a line of private contractors who have offered lessons, handled green fees and rented carts since the course opened in 1954.

“We’re excited about the caliber of candidates we had to choose from and we’re really excited about the person we chose,” Bovick told city commissioners.

Casey, who began his professional career in May of 2007 at Lakeview National Golf Course in Two Harbors, Minn., thanked Nebraska City residents for their hospitality and said he looks forward to working in the city.

“I hope to bring some energy and excitement. I really enjoy the game of golf,” he said.

Casey said his 21-month-old son is already getting the feel for hitting a ball around a room and he remembers a 92-year-old golfer from his home state at the Bull’s Eye Country Club in Wisconsin Rapids.

“It’s truly a lifetime game,” he said.

Bovick said the Two Harbors golf course, promoted as the jewel of the north shore because of its view of Lake Superior, is city owned, but may become a private course. The 18-hole course features at full line of clothing and equipment at the pro shop and restaurant.

He said Casey is a great fit at Nebraska City.

“When we asked what are the most important things about a golf course, he answered accountability and customer service,” Bovick said.

Casey and his wife both earned their degrees in urban forestry. Casey said it’s natural for them to be drawn to the Home of Arbor Day.

The city passed a job description for the golf course professional Monday and established a salary range between $45,000 and $55,350.

The golf pro is responsible for supervising play, coordinating golf lessons, organizing tournaments, evaluating fees, managing food and merchandise sales, renting golf carts and coordinating with golf foreman in matters relating to course maintenance.

Certification with the Pro Golfers Association is part of the job description.