Keep Passes, Seniors Urge They Built The Courses, Retirees Say

Golfaholics are urging Spokane County to save the bargain passes that make their addiction possible.

Under a proposal by the golf advisory committee, the cost of playing 18 holes would increase from $14.50 to $16 for most golfers. A senior citizen would pay $11.25 rather than $10.25.

There was little comment about those increases Tuesday at a hearing attended almost exclusively by retirement-age golfers, but the speakers rallied against another part of the proposal, to do away with season passes.

County commissioners put off a decision for two weeks.

Instead of passes, the advisory committee suggests allowing golfers to buy up to 100 rounds in advance - at discounts that don’t begin to match those enjoyed by the season ticket holders who attended Tuesday’s hearing.

Currently, a season pass allows unlimited play for $825 a year. Seniors willing to play only on weekdays can get a season pass for $495.

Six golfers who spoke at the hearing hold season passes and used them an average of 108 times this year, according to county records. That’s $7.64 a round.

Another four speakers hold senior passes and used them an average of 114 times. That amounts to $4.34 a round.

The three county golf courses are supported entirely by greens fees. Without an increase, there won’t be enough money to repair about $700,000 in flood damage at the Hangman Valley course, said county golf manager Mike Kingsley.

The golf advisory committee reasons that eliminating season passes will make the greens fees more equitable for all golfers.

“We’d like to assure seniors that we aren’t out to get them,” said committee member Jill Grover.

But many of the seniors felt short-changed. Some noted that avid golfers - mostly seniors - are the ones who volunteer to spruce up courses or work at tournaments.

“The senior citizens who play these golf courses are the ones who built them. They’re the people who support them,” said Frank Franciscovich, who played 142 rounds this year.

Tom Carli, who played 70 rounds, said eliminating the golf passes makes no more sense than ending season passes at Riverfront Park or Mount Spokane ski area.

“Are those (various passes) inequities, or are they opportunities for our county taxpayers and their families?” Carli asked.

Wilson Conaway, who played 61 rounds, urged county commissioners to wait until spring to decide whether to raise fees. More golfers would be in town then, he said, and could better organize opposition to the changes.

Instead, commissioners decided to wait until their Dec. 17 hearing and promised to consider saving the season passes.

Commissioner John Roskelley said turnout at Tuesday’s hearing was lighter than he expected. Roskelley was blasted at a similar hearing in 1995, after he characterized most golfers as wealthy.

Since then, Roskelley has taken up the sport. He said he played two rounds in 1996 and three rounds this year, and on his last hole hit a woman with his golf ball as she was riding in a cart.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo Graphic: Proposed greens fees