Grand Junction Hikes Golf Fees at Municipal Courses

City-owned golf courses in Grand Junction have raised their prices, with officials pointing to rising maintenance costs and self-sustaining operations as the main reasons behind the increase.

Price Adjustments Across the Board

Golfers in Grand Junction are paying more to hit the greens at the city’s two municipal golf courses, Lincoln Park and Tiara Rado. As of January 1, 2025, weekday rates have risen to $12 at Lincoln Park and $46 at Tiara Rado.

Tim Tafoya, Grand Junction’s director of golf, defended the decision, emphasizing that every dollar goes back into course maintenance and improvements. “[The money] goes back into golf and hopefully ensures that Lincoln Park and Tiara Rado are here for a very long time,” he said.

For frequent players, the city’s golf passes have also increased. The birdie pass now costs $500, up by $100, while the eagle pass has jumped to $800.

grand junction municipal golf course

No Tax Revenue, No Choice but to Raise Prices

Although the courses are owned by the city, they do not receive financial support from local tax revenues. Instead, they operate like businesses, with all expenses covered by revenue from fees, passes, and other services. Tafoya explained that inflation and rising costs for essential materials have made the price hike inevitable.

“They understand the increase in the cost because our expenses increased, and we run these golf courses like businesses,” Tafoya said, referring to the golfers’ reactions.

Planned Upgrades and Maintenance

The additional revenue is expected to fund key renovations, including a new cart path at Lincoln Park. Maintenance expenses cover sand, seed, and other materials required to keep fairways and greens in top shape.

  • Some of the upgrades planned include:
    • A new cart path at Lincoln Park
    • Improved sand traps
    • Enhanced irrigation systems
    • General course maintenance

Tafoya emphasized that these improvements are necessary to keep the courses competitive and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Golfers React to the Price Increase

Despite the higher rates, attendance has remained steady. Regular golfers seem to understand the reasoning behind the increase and continue to support the city’s courses.

“Prices are always inevitable, but the increase wasn’t a huge amount, and as far as this golf course goes, it’s still the best bargain in the market,” said Mike Holmes, a longtime Lincoln Park golfer. “A couple of bucks increase, well worth it.”

For now, the courses remain a popular choice for local golfers. With ongoing renovations and continued investments, city officials hope to maintain the quality of play while keeping prices reasonable in the long run.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *