Resident rates during peak season

People love their local golf courses. For some it is an environment for socialization in their communities, others it is their routine exercise regiment, and for other it is an escape from their honey-do-list. There is much to love with golf courses, however, what do people hate about their golf course? Peak season rates. It’s that time of year when the double edge sword of capitalism hits hard. For some states and regions, it is the summer months, with warmer weather and longer days. Others, like here in Arizona it is the winter. Snowbirds and spring training fans migrate down south for sunshine and calm weather. During this period, golf courses will begin to raise the rates of their green fees, cart fees, and even range balls. There is good reason for this, more tee times means more wear and tear on the golf course, which requires more maintenance and care, which costs more money. Now, don’t get me wrong, I fully understand the business side and seeing an opportunity to make a profit. However, there needs to be some ground rules. Last year during the WM Open, I had family come into town and wanted to play a round of golf. We booked a tee time at a public course in the valley, (I won’t mention the course, but it is a city of Phoenix course.) 2 week prior I paid $85 for the round with a cart. I would say that was a very fair price for the condition of the course and amenities. Upon arrival and check in at the pro shop, the gentleman said, “Ok, that will be $170 today.” I looked him in the eye puzzled, “No sorry I am only paying for one.”, “Yep, $170.” In a two-week period, this course raised their rates, for one weekend, two-fold. Now what bothers me is the lack of loyalty to locals. During the scorching summer months of Arizona, it is the locals who keep the course in business. Since here courses rarely shut down for longer than a few weeks, it is important for those golf courses to make money during the summertime. Now yes, many courses do offer resident rates all year long. Legend at Arrowhead, Bellair Golf Park, Biltmore, Quintero, and others in the Phoenix area offer a local’s or resident rate. Those courses are ones that will have my business in the future, and I will support during slower times of the year. I have yet to go back to that city course that tried (and was successful) in screwing over a local resident for a profit. I hope this article encourages golf courses to re-evaluate their strategies going forward, not forgetting those who help support them even when Satin himself thinks it is too hot for 18 holes. If you take care of the residents and show them love, residents will be sure to take care of the golf course that they love back.