Golf fees to increase in 2012 at Salt Lake City courses

SALT LAKE CITY — The cost to play nine holes at Salt Lake City-owned golf courses will increase by at least $1 when they reopen next year.

The Salt Lake City Council recently approved the fee increase as a way to fund capital improvement projects at the city's nine golf courses. In all, city officials estimate the courses are in need of about $22 million in maintenance and improvements.

All of Salt Lake City's golf facilities operate through enterprise funds and are self-sustaining, meaning they're able to get by with the money they bring in. But city officials say "getting by" isn't enough. Courses need to be maintained and improved to continue attracting players.

In addition to the $1 fee increase per nine holes, the City Council's action allows courses to charge a fee for operations, likely another $1. Courses also have the option to adjust their golf discount programs to boost revenues.

Of the $22 million in improvement projects, $9.6 million worth are proposed for Bonneville — including $2.8 million for three new holes, new greens, bunkers, trees and perimeter fencing; $2.5 million for a new clubhouse; and $2.2 million for a new irrigation system.

City officials say much of the existing irrigation system at Bonneville is the original cast-iron pipe that was installed when the course was built more than 75 years ago. Then, in the early '80s, irrigation upgrades were made using thinner-than-required piping, which has resulted in costly repairs over the years, city officials said.

The other city-owned golf courses are Forest Dale, Glendale, Nibley Park, Jordan River, Rose Park, Wingpointe and the two 18-hole courses at Mountain Dell.

E-mail: jpage@desnews.com