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Every day the snowpack melts away and dreams of playing golf grow, even though it will be a few months before the local golf course can open.
That said, playing golf at the scenic Gunflint Hills Golf Course will cost a little more this next summer, but not much more than last summer.
The Grand Marais Park Board met on Tuesday, March 7, to discuss setting rates for the town’s Gunflint Hills Golf Course. Unfortunately, gunflint Hill Golf Course Superintendent Paul Jones couldn’t be at the meeting in person, so he was on the big screen, ready to answer questions about fees and possible upgrades in equipment for next year.
At 3030 yards with three sets of tees, Gunflint Hills is a sweet nine-hole golf course with various challenges for even the best golfer.
Dave Tersteeg, Parks & Rec Director, also helped lead the discussion.
Tersteeg said that average rates would increase by about three percent over 2022.
When asked how to create more revenue, Paul replied that increasing league play was the best way to grow membership. He added that there would be an excellent chance to start a women’s league this year. He also said holding Best Ball events every month would help grow revenue.
Regarding equipment, Jones said three new gas carts had been ordered for this summer. In addition, he said the course needs a new sprayer, and he’s looking for a good deal on one. When asked about selling beer and wine at the clubhouse, Paul replied the health department shut down that idea because the clubhouse doesn’t have a kitchen up to the standards the state calls for, and the cost to upgrade the kitchen would be too much at this time.
New golf rates for 2023
Green fees will increase by one dollar each to play nine holes ($24) or 18 holes ($37). Junior golfers (under 18) can play nine holes for $15 or 18 holes for $26.
Cart rentals per person will be $12 per rider for nine holes or $18 per rider for 18 holes.
At the driving range, A small bucket of balls will cost $4, and a large bucket of balls will cost $6. A pull cart rental is $3 for nine holes or $5 for 18. Club rentals will cost $5.
An adult single annual membership is $485, ten dollars more than in 2022— the price for a couple’s yearly membership is twenty more dollars ($795) than last year. Millennials (24-29) annual membership will rise from $399 to $412.
Students (18-24) and Juniors (under 18) see a very modest hike in an annual membership, with 2023 prices set at $256 and $105 for Juniors,
Family memberships with kids under 18 will be $926, $36 more than last year, while an unlimited driving range pass can be added to one’s membership for $105.
Annual cart leases are $360, while couples from the same household are $415. A private cart trail fee will run $105.
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