I think dues and the rack rate for tee times will be going up everywhere. Costs for fertilizer is going way up as well as labour costs not to mention machinery. The money has to come from someone.

Hey Bob... Yes - The rates at our course went up this year as well, but fortunately for us, the total increase was only 3%. I cannot blame them for increasing costs as I have very little doubt that all their costs have gone up as well. We did see a lot of new members join this year due to the pandemic wave which may have helped offset more of an increase, but I would imagine we may see a drop in members next year once people go back to the office.

Here on the West Coast, we have seen membership rates and play rates increase immensely. While Covid has given Golf a great focus, on the other hand, its increased the demand for play, which of course has given the golf courses the incentive to increase their rates. Also during these times here, with Covid restrictions, courses have provided fewer services, also increasing their profits. But the golfers keep coming so they keep operating the same with increased rates. If it was an increase in order to provide more services or increased costs I could understand it, but in fact their costs have decreased, Personally i think its a cash grab because they can and people dont have many options.

Honestly, I have never understood the increased rates for the weekend, or peak times or anything. You pay more but don't get anymore. the amount of tee times dont increase or decrease on any given sunday, in fact its no different than a Tuesday. Its just more demand therefore they gouge. Sure they might have an extra staff member or 2, but honestly the price increase just simply isnt justified in anyway for me.

Are the weekends higher to gouge or are the weekdays discounted to get people to come out? For years the LA Lakers game tickets were a lot higher than the LA Clipper tickets. Same arena, same game, just greater demand because of players and winning records. It's the design of a capitalistic society, something I am glad we have, even if it creates some economic strain on me personally from time to time. Is Pebble really worth $500 for the same amount of golf that I can get down the street for $30? Do I buy jeans at the designer store in the mall for $90 or get similar jeans at TJMaxx for $20? A decision we have to make each and every day. Interesting topic and I can appreciate your point and concern.

Hey Dale... Good Points ! I know that at our course we used to have half price cart fees on Tuesdays as it was a slow day and they wanted to help bring in more players to give the restaurant staff more to do. As such I see your point about the weekdays perhaps being discounted to get people out to play. As for Pebble being worth $500 - I will say emphatically - YES, but then again, it is a course generally played only once or twice in a lifetime given it is a special place whereas the course down the street is a good value for one who wants to play regularly :)

Well said Dale. Agree wholeheartedly

Where I live, I have to drive 45 minutes to play because in the city we have a course that gouges people for pricing on golf plain and simple plus versus my home course it is the same or slightly less condition....

I have seen a lot of courses charge lots for green fees this last two years... I don't know I feel when the people go back to work the excessive pricing is going to bite club owners in the ass royally

At my club it is still great rates and very friendly I understand the whole play the best scenario as i was lucky this year to play 1) Cabot Cliffs 2) Highlands Links and 3) Northumberland Links They are all PGA quality courses I get it for me once and a while ill play a expensive course on a "deal"

I honestly have mixed feelings....