Rain and recession have forced the owners of Tournament Club of Iowa to lay off longtime staff members and re-examine the business plan for the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course in Polk City.

“Golf has been a tough market in the recession, and we compete against a lot of quality golf courses in the area,” said Gerry Neugent, president and chief operating officer of Knapp Properties Inc.

Knapp Properties is a minority owner in the course, which the company developed along with Enebak Construction Co. of Minnesota. The course is managed by the construction company’s affiliate, Tradition Golf Co.

Last summer, the course played host to about 20,000 rounds of golf, compared with 22,000 in a typical year.

Jake Enebak, president of Tradition Golf, said wet weather had a lot to do with the dropoff in the number of rounds played.

But he also said it is time to bring in new management.

“The long and short of it is that every golf course that I operate is closing on Sunday, and in three out of the five places, we’re laying off everybody and saving money over the winter,” he said.

Banquet facilities will remain open for events that have been booked through the winter. As with last winter, the restaurant will be closed.

As for the 2011 golf season, “I’ve decided that we are going to go a different direction with our management team,” Enebak said.

“Like every other business, people are looking to pare down some expense,” he said. “The last few years have been pretty tough on everybody, and we’re the same. We’re looking to save some costs and be a little more efficient.”

Enebak said it is to early to determine any changes in rates.