Grand Junction Golf Courses See First Rate Increase Since 2020
The city of Grand Junction has announced its first increase in golf course pass rates since 2020, reflecting a broader trend in maintaining high-quality facilities amidst rising operational costs.
About Grand Junction’s Golf Courses
Grand Junction operates two municipal golf courses, catering to a variety of skill levels and preferences. The Tiara Rado course is an 18-hole facility located in the Redlands, renowned for its scenic views and challenging greens. On the other hand, the nine-hole Lincoln Park course offers a more accessible option for beginners and casual players.
Types of Passes Offered
According to General Services Director Jay Valentine, the city provides two types of passes: the birdie pass and the eagle pass. The eagle pass includes the convenience of a golf cart, making it an attractive option for frequent players.
These passes are designed to offer discounted rates for frequent users, with the birdie pass now priced at $500 and the eagle pass at $800. Valentine notes that playing approximately 20 times throughout the year can cover the cost of these passes, and ongoing play further reduces the average cost per round.
“Each time you play above that, your average rate keeps going down and down,” Valentine emphasizes.
Larry Robinson/The Daily Sentinel
FILE – Students from Grand Junction High School golf at Tiara Rado Golf Course on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.
Rate Adjustments And Their Impact
The rate adjustments extend to daily play as well. At Lincoln Park, the daily rate for nine holes has increased from $11 to $12, while at Tiara Rado, the rate for an 18-hole round has risen from $46 to $50.
Valentine acknowledged that the gap in pricing between the two courses had become a deterrent for players opting for Lincoln Park. The daily rate disparity indicated to many golfers that they could enjoy a more premium experience at Tiara Rado with a minor incremental cost.
“Tiara Rado’s a much different type of course,” Valentine said. “Quite frankly, it’s 18 holes and the scenery is better. It’s a great golf course, so people were like, ‘I’m not going to go pay that at Lincoln when I could go play Tiara Rado for $2 more,’ so what we were seeing was the play kept declining and declining.”