Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — Fresh off another relatively lucrative season, the city-owned Haymaker Golf Course is upping its rates for the 2002 season.

Season passes go on sale today at the Parks and Recreation Department offices near Howelsen Ice Arena and the prices will be increased by 5 percent to 10 percent on most passes to reflect changes in the market, according to the golf management committee.

Tourist single-round prices and junior passes will not increase this year.

The City Council voted unanimously to raise rates at the golf course Tuesday night following a recommendation from the volunteer golf committee.

In 2001, the golf course saw somewhat fewer players after a record season in 2000. A total of 18,986 resident rounds were played on the course in 2001, down from 19,007 in 2000. In addition, tourist play dropped by 389 rounds in 2001.

John Vanderbloemen, the chairman of the golf committee, said the city golf course may have lost business because of the success of some new Front Range courses in places such as Aurora. Steamboat, however, did not fare quite as poorly as did the Vail Golf Club, which lost about $200,000, Vanderbloemen said. The course was booked for much of the season.

"We're running pretty darn full, especially in the main months," Vanderbloemen said.

The committee reported golf course revenue was $67,000 over budget in 2001.

The added revenue, in addition to the fact that the course was under budget in operations, will allow the committee to save money for a permanent clubhouse and to add to "rainy day" reserves.

The committee plans to meet with a consultant this April to discuss options for the new clubhouse and will get back to the council with more information.