In an effort to increase county coffers to tackle more underfunded issues—such as the homeless emergency—the Board of Supervisors this week voted to raise the greens fees at county-operated golf courses effective Sept. 1. Operating costs for the golf courses have reportedly increased.
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s annual review found that county fees were about 22 percent less than those charged, on average, at similar municipal and public courses in Southern California.
The last set of fee increases took effect May 1, 2015. Since then, operating costs have gone up 10 percent, based in part on higher wages and water prices, according to the department.
Currently, the average weekday greens fee is $29 for an 18-hole course, with an average fee of $38.50 on weekends.
Fees at 18-hole courses will go up $1 on weekdays and $1.50 on weekends, and tournament fees will also increase. Seniors will pay 50 cents more to play during the week. No changes will be made to fees at 9-hole, executive and par 3 courses.
Earlier this month, the board explored the feasibility of leasing out the sides of county-owned buildings for advertising space with the money going toward addressing the growing homeless emergency.
