Tim Phillips
The budget has been approved and golf fees loom ahead for all of us for the 2014 calendar year. So what is golf going to cost each of us in 2014 whether as a green fee player, punch card player, guest, or our annual dues paying member? For those who want to know up front what the increase will be – across the board it will be 4%. Of some importance is the fact that the cost of playing our golf courses is the lowest in the whole region. Bar none!
Since golf is an amenity that must cover all its costs and not be a burden to the POA, revenues must match or exceed maintenance operating costs on our golf course, three nines, and in the Pro Shop operation including ranger cost and driving range operation. We also must continue covering all capital equipment costs for the golf course in 2014, a requirement that began in 2013.
So how did we do financially in 2013? For the first time we have met all our obligations including capital equipment purchases – over $150k in 2013. The number of rounds played will be in the 65,000 plus range – a little lower than in 2012 due to the cooler than normal temperatures last January and February. Our golf course continues to improve with JR Kies and his staff working tirelessly daily to have the golf course ready for play for the over 300 players we handle on most days in the high season through our Pro Shop staff.
What will be different in 2014?
All three nines will be open during the summer months; no major capital project is budgeted.
No transition from winter grass to summer grass on all three nine greens
For snowbirds and others who do not want to buy an annual membership the option to purchase an 80 play card, 40 18 hole rounds is a cost of $1,580 cash payment or $39.50 per round.
The price of an annual membership in 2014 will increase slightly to $2,600 paid by cash or check while a dual membership will cost $4,976 also payable by cash or check. Credit cards can be used to pay at a slightly higher fee of $2,665 for a single and $5,080 for a dual membership. In 2013 we had just over 300 annual members. Annuals receive the following positive and exclusive benefits: Personalized name tag if not an annual member in 2013; Chelsea points of half for booking and half for playing for a total of one point compared to a total of three points for non annuals; Soft goods discount of 15% and hard goods discount of 10% at the Pro Shop; Special pricing events at the Pro Shop before merchandise goes on sale to whole community; Range cards 4% increase in price in 2014 to $156.00 plus tax; Four guest rounds at $30.00 that includes a cart in 2014; Annuals guaranteed resident rates on all guests after the four rounds at $30.00 are used.
Once again there are two play cards available, one for 15, 18 hole rounds at a cost of $655.00 or $43.65 per round interchangeable and a 40, 18 play card at a cost of $1,580 or $39.50 per round which is not interchangeable. These prices compare to a resident green fee in the high season of $51.00 and are cash prices only. As a comparison the nonresident fee in the high season will be $60.00. Renters are able to purchase both play cards and annual memberships. There are 20 nonresident memberships available on a first come first served basis at $3,500.
Price sheets are available in the pro shop with all the details and options with annual memberships for 2014 going on sale after December 15, 2013.
Let’s get ready for a great golf season throughout 2014. It should be another really busy year for golfers, especially with the arrival of new residents; there were 65 resales and over 50 new home sales.