Getting courses back on par
Posted Feb 7, 2011 02:52:42 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Golfers in Kitchener will soon need less green to get on city-owned courses.
City councillors have approved a recommendation to lower green fees by as much as 26 per cent in some cases, to generate more revenue and get more people golfing.
“It’s a healthy, active sport, and if we can get more people to play, that’s a good thing for everybody,” says Keith Baulk, the city’s director of enterprise.
The city-owned courses are dealing with an accumulated deficit of about 1.7 million dollars due in part to the economic downturn, poor weather and the recent expansion at Doon Valley.
“The intent is for the city to generate additional revenues to help reduce that deficit over time,” says Baulk.
But councillor Scott Davey expressed concerns that the rates would be too low, and he questioned whether they will generate more revenue for the golf courses.
If officially approved during budget day on March 1st, the cost of playing on Doon Valley and Rockway golf courses would return to 2006 levels.
Weekend and daily rates would drop by about 8 or 9 dollars.
The city courses are offering membership rates that are lower than privately owned courses in the area.
