Source: The Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)
Schenectady - For the first time since 2001, the city is increasing greens fees at Schenectady (N.Y.) Municipal Golf Course and for the first time ever will require golfers to reserve tee times in advance.
Park officials said the increases, which would boost fees for residents by $3 per 18-hole round on both weekdays and weekends, is needed to pay for between $20,000 and $30,000 worth of repairs to the clubhouse at the circa 1935 course.
The city plans to renovate the aging locker rooms and improve the kitchen at the clubhouse, Parks Commissioner William Seber said.
"We will have the ability to do a lot of capital work ourselves," said General Services Commissioner Carl Olsen, brushing aside possible complaints of the rate increase. "We haven't raised our rates in three years."
Residential rates would be $20 for weekends and $18 for weekdays, up from last year's respective $17 and $15 fees. Nonresidents also will see an increase, though not as steep. Golfers who live outside the city will have to pay $26 for 18 holes on the weekend, up from $24. The weekday rate will increase by $2 to $24.
The rate for senior citizens will jump by $2 to $17 on the weekends and by $2 to $15 on weekdays.
The City Council's Health and Recreation Committee approved the fees Monday night. The entire council is expected to approve the increase at next week's meeting. Improvements at the golf course have long been on the city's agenda. Last year, city leaders proposed hiring a private company to manage the course, but the plan did not have enough backing from Mayor Brian U. Stratton and city lawmakers.
Brian R. Damon, the city's longtime assistant golf pro who will take over as head professional this year, said he's also expanding the pro shop and expects to have $20,000 worth of new equipment and apparel on sale.
He and Seber also announced that group outings and leagues will have to pay in advance and will lose their money if they don't show up for their reservations, a move aimed at cutting down on the number of rounds that are canceled. Damon said he also expects to expand to teach academies for children, including one that is aimed at poor kids.