Reader comments
Keeping golf light on the wallet in Utah
16 comments | Read story
Anonymous | 6:34 a.m. July 9, 2009
Classic, typical government thinking: raise prices in a down economy when fewer
people can afford to pay the current green fees. Don't you know that it
will reduce the number of paying customers and result in a loss of income. If
you want to generate more revenue, lower the green fees to attract more
customers - including youngsters who can't afford to play as it is.
Anonymous | 7:32 a.m. July 9, 2009
I used to play golf and love the game. But my family now plays tennis. Less
start up costs. Better exercise, less money and a lot faster. In this economy
just what the Dr ordered. I really think golf people need to rethink the cost
structure and make it affordable. Or it will return to the country club elite
status it use to enjoy.
Re: Anonymous | 8:26 a.m. July 9, 2009
If you are complaining about golf at $40 per round I want to see what you say
about skiing. As a person who traves I will take Utah's golf courses and
prices anyday. We are all very fortunate for what we have. Also, sometimes less
people on the course would be more enjoyable. Nobody likes a 5 hour round.
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 8:44 a.m. July 9, 2009
It seems to me that this article is trying to persuade us that golf is
affordable when the fact is it is just cheaper here in Utah than in other
surrounding states. The question I would like answered is why is it cheaper?
Affordable, I think not. Many discourage their kids to play because they simply
can’t afford it. It is not an affordable activity for an individual and
certainly not one for a family. This article makes you believe that we are doing
something right with golf here in Utah until you realize that one of the
credible sources was recently hired out of Denver. I have to ask, was there no
one in Utah qualified for this job? Why would we hire out of state people if we
are doing such a good job here in Utah with golf? Lastly, what direction is
Utah going with golf? It is not a good one in this reader's opinion.
Fishing, biking and hiking are much better and much more rewarding options.
California Steve | 8:45 a.m. July 9, 2009
I noticed that the guy in the picture was putting with the flag in.
Umm...isn't that cheating?
bob lee | 9:16 a.m. July 9, 2009
i played a single round with a cart at mick riley thurs afternoon....cost was
$27.oo not the $14.oo mentioned in the article!! was i ripped off??!
Anonymous | 9:28 a.m. July 9, 2009
Tennis courts, jogging trails, sports fields, parks, recreation centers and many
more so-called affordable activities are subsidized or paid for by tax dollars.
Golf courses are primarily paid for by users. In many cases municipal Golf has
been one venue that stands on its own and potential makes some extra to help
support other venues. For example, my children play soccer in a multi million
dollar park and we pay no fees for the use of the park. We ride our bikes on the
Jordan River trail, no fees, swim in pool 1.50 none of these venues will ever
pay for them self’s; not even the operation and maintenance expenses. For
example South Mountain Golf course is being considered on the chopping block
because it is loosing money. Remove dept service it would likely make money.
Other municipal courses most of them are older have no or smaller debt service
costs so they look better on paper. Someday the dept service should be paid off.
I am not apposed to paying a little bit more per round of golf, however I would
also like to see fees being charged for other venues to cover Their Costs
John "No" Doe | 10:19 a.m. July 9, 2009
Regarding Anonymous: "so-called affordable activities"? What do you
mean? This is double talk. It is affordable to use tennis courts, jogging
trails, sports fields etc! The fact that I pay for these things with my tax
$'s is even more reason to use them instead of play golf. Golf is not
affordable! If the tax payers felt that they should subsidize golf they would
and they don't. Give it up. Golf is a rich person's sport and because
of this it is also a dying sport. Accept it!
Re: Anonymous | 10:29 a.m. July 9, 2009
I agree 100% with anonymous. I am a Utahn who was transplanted to SoCal. There
is not $75.00 to $100.00 for 18 holes, course in SoCal that is any better than
most of the courses I play when I am in Utah visiting my family and friends.
If the City or State would charge fees for the tennis courts, the bike riding trails, or the city owned swimming facilities, there would not be such a discrepency in the cost between all theses activities. We each have our own individual sports that we enjoy. Mine happens to be golf, and I don't mind paying a little bit more if it means keeping the golf courses as nice as they have always been.
If the City or State would charge fees for the tennis courts, the bike riding trails, or the city owned swimming facilities, there would not be such a discrepency in the cost between all theses activities. We each have our own individual sports that we enjoy. Mine happens to be golf, and I don't mind paying a little bit more if it means keeping the golf courses as nice as they have always been.
Scott T. | 10:50 a.m. July 9, 2009
Cheap golf in Utah!!! In Arizona you can play for less than $20 for 18 with a
cart. Cheaper in the summer time in Phoenix. Ask any local and you will see that
there are expensive courses but there are just as many inexpensive courses. The
reason is because the golfing season is so short in Utah they have to make the
money in shorter time frame.
Arizona | 11:13 a.m. July 9, 2009
Scott T - Golf in Arizona in the summer is horrible because of the heat.
It's cheap because no one can stand it. As soon as the winter months come,
the prices skyrocket! Locals do have a price advantage on public courses.
Golf is affordable if... | 11:19 a.m. July 9, 2009
... you don't start from the assumption that you have to buy everything
new. Same as with my kids for skiing - we started them off with sets I bought
at the ski barn at the Fairgrounds.
A number of years ago, I bought a set of used rental clubs for just over $200, and have had these same clubs for almost 10 years. And you can get starter sets at the sporting goods stores for $100-150.
Can you spend a lot of money of golf? You bet, but you can also get started for a fairly modest investment, and it's a great way to be outdoors with friends or family.
A number of years ago, I bought a set of used rental clubs for just over $200, and have had these same clubs for almost 10 years. And you can get starter sets at the sporting goods stores for $100-150.
Can you spend a lot of money of golf? You bet, but you can also get started for a fairly modest investment, and it's a great way to be outdoors with friends or family.
Re: Golf is affordable if.. | 11:30 a.m. July 9, 2009
This article has nothing to do with golf equipment but the price to be on the
course. Take your kids to play golf once a week in Utah (regardless of what you
paid for equipment) and it will cost you more than $300 a month. Maybe you
should read the article again.
Naruto | 11:44 a.m. July 9, 2009
Utah is a golfing paradise. I live within 15 minutes of over 12 courses. Golf to
me is the best game in the world! You can spend a lot of money on golf, but you
can find some great deals on used golf equipment that is in good condition.
Chipping and putting are FREE as long as you have the equipment. You can also
buy cards/magnetic keys for the driving range, which gives you discounts on
buckets of balls for the driving range. Walking 9 holes is the way to go if you
want to save money, try playing the par 3's this will help to improve your
short game and costs even less. Golf is a great investment and helps to build
character, get exercise, improve hand-eye coordination, and even helps your
thinking process.
Mark | 2:46 p.m. July 9, 2009
I'm in South Florida, and I play 9 holes here for 5 dollars. Actually, the
deal is 5 dollars all day until 3 o'clock. Summer is the off season here.
Blame Muny Courses | 10:33 p.m. July 9, 2009
The reason golf is cheaper in Utah is because most courses are owned by a city
or county. The ons that are not are the most expensive. Unfortunately, too many
government leaders look at golf now as a money maker instead of recreation, and
that's when they try to raise prices.
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A golfer putts at Mountain Dell Golf Course located in Parleys Canyon, one of the many courses that make Utah's golf a great deal.
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