The cost of golf is going up.
The Fort Myers City Council voted to raise rates at Fort Myers Country Club and Eastwood Golf Course on July 21.
In a 4-2 vote the council disregarded pleas from golfers, including two former council members.
Former Councilman Johny Streets said growing up in Dunbar he didn’t play golf. He compared his game to Tiger Woods’.
“I swing like a tiger and my ball is always in the woods,” he joked.
Streets said he appreciates the way the two historic courses have been maintained and run, but he urged Council to consider an exception for those who have played the courses for so long.
The Country Club course opened in 1917. Local luminaries like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison played it.
“Instead of increasing prices maybe consider a roll-back rate for those who helped us get here,” Streets said. “I think you need to take this back to the drawing board.”
The Council also received a letter from former Councilman Forrest Banks. He said the city could lose as much as 40% of the 77 golf members who live outside the city and pay for 9-month memberships.
Those golfers would see their memberships go to $1,600 annually from $800. The city resident rates are also increasing.
A golfer holding a Country Club pass prior to October 1994 will see an increase from $825 to $1,025. The rate for their spouse would go to $640 from $440.
Those with a pass prior to October 1998 would see an increase to $1,275 from $1,075, with the spouse rate going to $1,000 from $800.
Those who purchased passes after October 1998 would see their cost go to $1,630 from $1,430, with the spouse rate going to $1,275 from $1,075.
Other senior golfers echoed Streets’ request. Jim Johnson, 88, said he’s played the Country Club course since it was the only course in town. Eastwood opened in 1977.
Jim Frasar also expressed concern over the increases.
“That’s a lot of money for some of these guys,” he said. “Most of these guys are retired like me. They eat breakfast. They eat lunch. They shop. They spend money in the city. If these guys go away so does that money.”
“You’ve got to cut us a break here guys,” said Mike Ferrara. “Help us out.”
Most rate packages would see smaller percentage increases. Annual rates in most cases rise by $200.
Some golf rates would triple, quadruple
Daily rates also see a big boost.
Playing 18 holes and using a cart at the Country Club in the busy months from October through December and in April will go to $95 from $30. Walking the course will go to $60 from $15. For January, February and March the riding rate goes to $130 from $35.
Rates are going up similarly at Eastwood.
According to Golf.com, the average rate to play a round of golf last September cost $60 in Florida.
Councilwoman Teresa Watkins Brown agreed the non-resident increase to $1,600 is too extreme.
“We should reconsider and not double the rate for these particular golfers,” she said. “Maybe grandfather them in.”
Councilman Liston Bochette backed her up.
“There ought to be a benefit for city residents, but doubling the fees is really difficult,” he said. “I just don’t think we’re there yet.”
Watkins Brown’s motion to grandfather the 77 golfers in at the existing rate failed 4-2, with only she and Bochette supporting it.
“I feel for them, but I don’t think it’s fair for city residents to subsidize,” Councilman Fred Burson said.
Mayor Kevin Anderson said it’s true the city doesn’t currently subsidize golf course operations.
“But not too long ago we were,” he said.
A motion to approve the new rates passed by an identical 4-2 vote. Councilwomen Darla Bonk and Diana Giraldo joined Anderson and Burson in approving.
Councilwoman Terolyn Watson missed both votes. The new rates take effect on September 1.
