Is it just me, or is there price gouging ?

[eez]

I've been unable to play until this week, and when I go out for 9 holes, the price is as much as 18 was last year.

Is it just me, or are the courses gouging us after some lean years?

Or is it just getting back to normal after some years of really really great deals?

[em69]

Supply and demand. No different when buying a southern vacation in November vs March Break or Christmas period. Same service, same location, but price is higher because of demand.

[jeffc]

what course are you referring to? Lots of courses are full and don't need to even offer 9 holes but there are lots that do. Take you business there.

[eez]

what course are you referring to? Lots of courses are full and don't need to even offer 9 holes but there are lots that do. Take you business there.

I don't want to bash a course for upping their prices so I won't mention their name.

And I understand supply and demand.

My question simply was whether folks here have noticed a substantial price increase this year ??

[jeffc]

No gouging from what I have seen. Prices seem inline with previous years, perhaps with small increases.

[Sakuraba]

I wouldn't use the word "gouging" Ever since the minimum wage increase, and the rise in fuel costs golf courses have faced ever-increasing operating costs, but it was hard for them to raise revenue because of competition.
Now that there is increased demand, and ever-increasing expenses (plexiglass, wipes, sanitizer, lack of restaurant revenue) it is not surprising to me in the slightest that prices are higer. They need to turn a profit or they will close.

[Big Johnny69]

I wouldn't use the word "gouging" Ever since the minimum wage increase, and the rise in fuel costs golf courses have faced ever-increasing operating costs, but it was hard for them to raise revenue because of competition.
Now that there is increased demand, and ever-increasing expenses (plexiglass, wipes, sanitizer, lack of restaurant revenue) it is not surprising to me in the slightest that prices are higer. They need to turn a profit or they will close.

Well said!

[big mac]

The pricing is definitely higher---no doubt about it. It is understandable in some cases but tell me: why are all the country course the same prices as last year" ? They have the same precautions to adhere to. I'll drive an hour to play-no problem and pay full pop just to support them. The golf courses made money last year and they will make money this year (I am not talking about the rest/bar---just the course) The game is played on the course---not in the bar. It is a tricky situation and you can be sure that once this covid thing is over owners WILL NOT be lowering their prices. Is it gouging or not---everyone has their opinion ? Just my .02

[golfisforfun]

You cant call it gouging when it is a luxury item. Golf is not a necessity.

Are they maybe charging more to make up for higher expenses? Maybe.
Are they maybe charging more to make up for lost revenues? Maybe.
Do they have every right to do so? Yes

[eez]

You cant call it gouging when it is a luxury item. Golf is not a necessity.

Are they maybe charging more to make up for higher expenses? Maybe.
Are they maybe charging more to make up for lost revenues? Maybe.
Do they have every right to do so? Yes

I agree .... gouging was a bit too strong a word and I could have worded it differently, but paying $45 for 9 holes with 1/2 a shared cart on a so-so course after 5 PM seems a bit high.

As some folks have pointed out, other than gas prices going up, the requirements for golf course are the same as last year.

In any case, the general feedback, albeit from a small sample size, seems to be that prices are a bit higher, but not excessive.

[Chieflongtee]

I can see things going back to normal during the week at my club so deals should be back soon.
No more Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Students going back to school. People going back to work or finding another job.

One thing to note. Golf rates had not increased( or barely) in many many years prior to Covid

[slash]

Carts are usually $35/40. Half a cart is $20. You paid $25 for 9 holes
9 holes rates are more expensive than paying for a full 18.

[jeffc]

Depends on the course. For some $45 for 9 is decent. What was it last year? And the year before? And If the cost is too high, walk the course and save the cart fee