City Raises Greens Fees For Residents New Rate Structure Called ‘Smoke And Mirrors’
After a few teed-off golfers took swings at the proposal, the Spokane Park Board moved ahead Thursday with plans to restructure the way greens fees are paid.
The board voted 8-2 to eliminate the resident/non-resident fee distinction in 1997, with all golfers paying this year’s higher, non-resident rate.
Golfers can buy discounted and unlimited play passes that will reduce a round’s cost.
In the past, city-owned courses offered a “whole smorgasbord” of greens fees, said Park Board member Mark Casey. “We felt a simplification of the passes was in order.”
About 25 people attended Thursday’s hearing on the fee change. Only three spoke, and they weren’t fond of the plan.
“So, there’s something you can buy to retain 1996 fees?” asked Ron McArthur. “This is smoke and mirrors, flim-flam.”
“This makes no sense to me,” said Carl Liggins, adding he thought the fees would discourage casual golfers from playing at city courses.
“You say these fees are lower. They are not lower,” said Dan Niksich.
Under the new plan, 18 holes of golf will cost $18 at Esmeralda and Downriver and $22 at Indian Canyon and Qualchan.
That means residents in the city and county will pay $4 more at Esmeralda and Downriver, $5.50 more at Indian Canyon and Qualchan.
Golfers can buy a discount card for $25 - $20 if bought before March 1 - that will decrease the greens fees per round to the 1996 rate for county residents. That means golfers would pay $16 for 18 holes at Indian Canyon and Qualchan, $14 at Downriver and Esmeralda.
For $200, a golfer can buy an unlimited discount pass that reduces the fees. That means 18 holes at Esmeralda would cost $7, at Qualchan $9.
The changes are driven by efforts to increase golf revenues, in part to help pay for maintenance such as improving cart paths and rebuilding retaining walls, said Golf Manager Mike Stone.
Stone said he hopes to increase next year’s golf revenues by $126,300.
Golfers have seen their greens fees nearly double since 1990, when 18 holes at Esmeralda cost $9.50.
More golfers play at city courses than in past years, which increases wear and tear on the greens, Stone said. Also, golfers want a better maintained course than they once did, he said.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: NEW GREENS FEES 1997 rate Esmeralda, Downriver: $18 Indian Canyon, Qualchan: $22 With a $25 discount card Esmeralda, Downriver: $14 Indian Canyon, Qualchan: $16 With a $200 season pass Esmeralda, Downriver: $7 Indian Canyon, Qualchan: $9 All proposed fees listed are for 18 holes of golf.