Chinook green fees rising for upcoming golf season

Golfers will pay an extra $2 for 18 holes of golf and adults will pay $60 more for a season pass when they hit the links at the Chinook Golf Course this coming season.

Swift Current City Council approved the rates for the Chinook Golf Course during their Jan. 6 meeting, with the overall rates anticipating a $56,043 surplus at the municipal course.

The cost of an 18 hole round of golf increases from $41 to $43 during weekdays, while weekend rates go up from $45 to $47. Seniors will be paying $1 more for their green fees, but there will be no increase for individual game fees for juniors and children this coming season.

Season passes have jumped $60 for adults to $1,095, and adult weekday season passes have climbed $40 to $930. The season pass price for couples and families both increased $100 (couple pass $1,785 and family pass $1,995). Young adult and student passes will both increase by $10. The cost of a 10 game pass for nine holes of golf is unchanged, while a 10 game pass for 18 holes went up $20 to $430.

Daily power cart rentals increased by a loonie per rider for nine holes, while the annual cart rental fee increases $15 per rider or $25 for both seats annually.

Even with the approved increases, Robson explained Chinook’s rates remain competitive with other golf courses.

“Although price to play is always a consideration, even with the proposed increase the Chinook Golf Course rates remain below that average price of courses that offer a similar experience,” General Manager of Community Services Dean Robson said in his presentation to City Council while discussing the rate increase.

“The Community Services Department, on the direction from Council, has always believed that the Chinook Golf Course should neither burden the taxpayer nor be so unaffordable that the average citizen can not participate,” Robson told Council.

Chinook turned a modest $24,582 profit this past year, with their surplus over the past eight season ranging from $24,182 to $79,610. Poor weather contributed to a $19,081 loss in 2010, the only Chinook deficit in recent years.

“As a municipal golf course we attempt to balance the expectations of the taxpayer and the expectations of our users while considering our business environment.”

GREEN FEE RATES

Adult Nine holes ( Monday to Thursday) - $26.

Nine Holes (Friday to Sunday, and stat holidays) - $29.

18 holes ( Monday to Thursday) - $43.

18 Holes (Friday to Sunday, and stat holidays) - $47. Seniors (65 plus) Nine holes ( Monday to Thursday) - $24.

18 holes ( Monday to Thursday) - $34. Junior (12 to 18 years as of April 1) Nine holes - $14.

18 holes - $20. Child (under 12 years as of April 1) Nine holes - $8.

18 holes - $12.

PASSES

Season Pass - $1,095.

Restricted season (weekdays, not including stats) - $930.

Young Adult (19 to 29 years of age) - $620.

Junior (12 to 18 as of April 1) - $170.

Student ( full time students) - $420.

Child (under 12 years as of April 1) - $150. Couple Pass - $1,785. Family Pass - $1,995. Adult 10 games, nine holes - $260.

Adult 10 games, 18 holes) - $430.