Special report — golf thrives in Illinois

Thousands of Illinoisans enjoy this recreational pastime at their local park district course.

Editor's Note: The following information was extracted from data provided by public park and recreation agencies in a special golf survey conducted by the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) in January. A copy of the complete survey results will be available from the IAPD this summer.

Golf is a popular — and profitable — recreational pastime in Illinois, according to information provided by 32 park districts and recreation agencies which are members of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA). These agencies were surveyed about their golf facility's (ies') income, expenditures and services.

Nine-hole courses

Six of the seven responding agencies which have only a nine-hole course indicated their facilities are operated as a profit center rather than as a breakeven service. Two noted that the profits are used to repay the district and the village, and to fund golf capital development.

All of these respondents sell food and beverages at their golf course. Six indicated that the sales are profitable; the other offers this service under a contracted or leased arrangement. The one agency which offers table service noted it is profitable to do so.

Five of the responding agencies make a profit from their beer and/or wine sales. The other two don't sell these products. Only one of the agencies sold hard liquor last year, and it indicated a profit from those sales.

Income and expenditures

On the average, an individual player spent between $3 and $5 for a round of golf at these facilities in 1986. Collectively, the golf facilities derive most of their income from resident and non-resident daily golf fees. The second largest collective revenue source is memberships, followed by cart rental fees. Other reported sources of income include club rentals, league fees, tournaments, a lottery and a junior golf clinic.

Other data

In addition to the golf course, the responding agencies also report other facilities. They include patio and clubhouse seating, concessions, crosscountry skiing, special practice areas, and a golf shop, barbeque area and putting green.

The highest number of tee offs reported at the nine-hole facilities last year is approximately 50,000; the lowest is 23,000. The newest course has been in operation for two years, while the oldest is 95 years old. The smallest course reports 17 acres; the largest is 107 acres, 41 of which are underdeveloped.

18-hole courses

Sixteen agencies which operate only one 18-hole course also responded to the survey. Ten of them operate as a profit center; five are run as a breakeven service.

All of these responding agencies sell food and beverages at their course for a profit. Five also indicate they offer table service on a profit basis.

Thirteen of these respondents sell beer and/or wine and find it profit-

Illinois Parks and Recreation 29 March/April 1987

able to do so. Half of the respondents sell hard liquor and make a profit from those sales.

Income versus expenses

On the average, an individual player spent between $8 and $15 for a round of golf at these facilities last year. Collectively, the facilities derive most of their income from daily fees, memberships and cart rentals.

Other amenities

In addition to the 18-hole golf course, the facilities also offer other features. These include a clubhouse (with showers and restrooms), pro shop, snack bar, meeting room, sun porch, full-service restaurant, driving range, practice green, banquet facility, off-season indoor hitting range, marina, lake, fitness trail and community center. In addition, tennis courts, televisions, picnic facilities, and club, cart and bag storage are offered.

The greatest number of tee offs reported at the 18-hole facilities last year was 64,000; the lowest number was 12,000. The newest course has been in operation for 2.5 years; the oldest is 62 years old. The smallest course reports 20 acres and the largest 250 acres.

27-hole facilities

Two agencies in this category responded. Both operate as a profit center, and both sell food and beverages, and beer and/or wine, at a profit.

One agency reported that the average player spends $7.66 for a round of golf; the other noted $180 golf yearly expenditures per player. One of these districts derives the largest part of its revenues from daily fees; the other's main revenue source is membership fees.

In addition to the golf facilities, these agencies report club storage, a barbeque grill and patio, locker rooms with showers, a pro shop, banquet facilities and a fireplace for crosscountry skiers.

36-hole courses

Three agencies with 36-hole golf fa-

Illinois Parks and Recreation 29 March/April 1987

cilities also participated in the survey. Two of these indicated their courses operate as a profit center; the other agency noted operations on a breakeven basis.

All three agencies sell food and beverages, and beer and/or wine, for a profit. Only one offers table service and sells hard liquor; these services are operated on a profit basis.

On the average, an individual spent between $3.06 and $9.60 for a round of golf last year. Collectively, these facilities derive most of their income from daily fees. Other major revenue sources include cart rentals, memberships and league fees.

Other available facilities include an observatory and outing area, a snack bar, banquet facilities, a pro shop, a driving range, grill table service, a locker room, offices, and half-way house.

The number of tee offs last year ranged from 75,000 to 95,000. Acreage varied between 325 and 280 acres.

54-hole facilities

The two agencies reporting 54-holes operate as a break even service. Neither sells hard liquor, but both report profits from the sale of food and beverages. One sells beer and/or wine at a profit.

One agency reported an average expenditure of $4.41 for a round of golf. Daily fees, cart rentals, concession sales, pass sales and resident league fees were the major revenue sources for one of the reporting agencies. The other reported daily fees, can revenues and season passes as major income sources.

One agency reported the availability of a driving range. The other has snack bars, showers, locker rooms and banquet facilities. One agency reported 130,000 tee offs; the other recorded 128,851.

Other responses

One agency offering its constituents 63 holes reported operation as a profit center.

Food and beverages sales are done on a contractual basis; beer, wine or hard liquor are not sold. The average player spends $4.60 for a round of golf. Major revenue sources are memberships, cart rentals, and daily and weekend resident fees.

The number of tee offs range from 52,023 to 72,608. Other available amenities include pro shops, practice greens, concession stands, and a driving range and chipping area.

The courses range in age from 18 to 74 years; collectively they total 608 acres.

One agency reported the operation of 90 holes. Each of the six courses operates as a profit center, and each sells food and beverages at a profit. Four or the five facilities sell beer and wine at a profit.

Major revenue sources are memberships, daily fees and driving range fees.

Collectively, the courses had 193,760 tee offs last year. Total greens fees were $474,091.

Other available facilities include a lighted driving range, and golf shops, snack bars and practice areas.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 31 March/April 1987