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RustyBradshaw
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Posted: Mon May 18th, 2009 11:22 pm |
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Editor’s note: Copied below is a story from the Sun City West Independent. You can post your opinions by clicking on “Reply.”
By Rusty Bradshaw
Independent Newspapers
Sun City West golfers will see a much different rate schedule if the Recreation Centers of Sun City West Board of Directors adopt the proposed budget during its regular meeting next week.
Instead of a single rate throughout the year, RCSCW officials propose graduated rates, with fees lower during months when the temperature rises. The proposed rates also include an increase for the first time in two years.
The RCSCW board will consider the golf rates, along with the full RCSCW proposed budget, 9 a.m. Thursday, May 28 at the R.H. Johnson Recreation Center social hall, 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd., during its regular meeting.
While the proposed rate schedule includes many more rate breakdowns than the existing one, the main increase in rates come with the unlimited play card, increasing $300 to $2,900 for the year. The rate for Kachina annual cards remains $995. The winter card rates will also see an increase of $30 to $290 for 10 rounds.
Early reaction to the proposed rates has been positive, according to Ginger Welch, RCSCW board member and golf committee chairwoman.
“We had two public forums (on the full RCSCW budget, including golf rates) that were not well attended,” she said. “Both were very positive.”
In those forums, some people did raise concerns, but they concerned the planned renovations at the Stardust Golf Course, 12702 W. Stardust Blvd., pro shop rather than rates.
Mike Whitting, RCSCW general manager, said there has been a lot of support for the proposed fees.
“But there was some concern that there was no winter card,” he said.
That changed hours before the May 14 golf committee meeting when RCSCW officials added a winter card to the proposed rate package. The card can be used when winter rates are in effect and can be used as member credit. Scott Simpson, RCSCW golf manager, said the winter card offers a discount of sorts because when players pay $290 for a winter card, they will actually be credited for $310. However, winter cards can only be purchased with cash or checks, no credit cards will be accepted.
While there was support for the proposed rates, some golf committee members were concerned the new rate schedule could be confusing to residents. It includes different rates for six different times of the year and golfers have multiple credit accounts to use.
“I see major confusion at the pro shops,” said Bonnie Kehoe, committee member.
The confusion will come from golfers rather than pro shop employees.
“Golfers may not know what to say when they start,” she said. “We have the winnings account, the member credit account and now we’re adding the winter card account, all with no cards.”
Dick Donohoe, committee member, also believes residents will also be confused with the multiple rates for different times of the year. Ms. Welch acknowledged there will be a confusion factor in the beginning, but said the multi-tiered rate schedule will be beneficial to golfers and RCSCW in the long run.
“This could help bring more golfers to the courses throughout the year,” she said.
Ernie Prindle, RCSCW chief financial officer, said the proposed rates also comes with the option to make adjustments during the year, based on the golf market in the area.
“In the past we have made the commitment to keep golf rates constant for two years,’ he said. “But this gives us the flexibility to make adjustments to be more competitive in the market.”
Like most golf facilities in the Valley, the RCSCW golf operations division is in a competitive situation. Declining play at many golf courses have officials scrambling to find ways to increase rounds of play. However, that leads to catering to golfers who live outside of Sun City West, according to Brian Lewis, golf committee member. He believes RCSCW officials should also be looking at ways to increase play from residents.
“What are we doing to keep our own players here,” Mr. Lewis said. “People are saying they will play less golf if rates go up.”
He believes the sluggish economy is partly to blame for that, but he also believes people no longer see the value offered by Sun City West golf.
Graham Abbott admitted there is some catering to nonresident golfers, but said bringing in more players is benefiting the community, and not only by increasing golf rounds.
“When they come here to play, they are spending money in the pro shops, restaurants and other businesses in the community,” he said. “And some of them are looking at Sun City West as a prospective home.”
Mr. Prindle added the outside play is what is keeping Sun City West golf afloat.
“Resident rounds are going down while guest and controlled neighborhood play rounds are going up,” he said.
Post your opinions in the Public Issues Forum at http://www.newszap.com. News Editor Rusty Bradshaw can be reached at 623-445-2725 or rbradshaw@newszap.com.
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