As my colleague, Amber Jurgensen, pointed out in last Friday’s story about the Walden Lake debate, golf’s going through some tricky times.
Although I haven’t ever covered the golf course’s rezoning debate, I’ve been following both sides closely over the past couple of years. As both the resident “Sports Guy” and a completely neutral party, I think now is the time to share my personal opinion.
With the way the numbers look, both in Plant City and across the country, I believe Walden Lake’s course needs to be rezoned and redeveloped — badly.
I know there are quite a few readers out there that are opposed to the rezoning, but hear me out: the construction may cause property values to dip for a little while but, once the construction wraps up, they’ll be much higher than they would be if the rezoning movement were to be blocked. Right now — and if nothing happens after a rezoning attempt is denied — we’re looking at a $2 chuck steak on the menu for $20.
Getting people to golf these days can be tricky, as we’re learning. I’ve covered the decline of youth golf in the recent past, and I’m of the opinion that the cost of golf is a large reason why. It’s one thing for niche sports like hockey to be associated with high costs, as they can only be played in certain areas under certain conditions, but golf is popular around the world and, in many areas, can be played outdoors all year. It’s one of the few sports that almost anyone can play for their entire life, should they wish.
The golf course is a place where some of America’s biggest sports heroes were made, but also the site of many great stories and many more business deals.
It can cost a pretty penny to get into the golf scene, and I’m not just talking about how you’ll spend an arm and a leg getting gear that’s just above “decent.” Although there are public courses (and youth programs) that will let you golf without threatening your wallet, many ask for well over $30 per round.
That’s not bad when you have the money but, if you’re passionate about getting better and have a tight budget, you could easily be priced out of fun, challenging courses.
Here’s what got me going: I pulled up the public rates for Walden Lake over the weekend and, while there were a couple of good things to be found (you could get a Thursday tee time for as low as $20.46), the weekend/early-week rates are high. From Saturday through Tuesday, you’re not getting on that course before 11 a.m. for under $39. On the weekends, you’re not getting on for less than $42 if you’re not willing to show up after 10:33 a.m., though the prices do dip down to $25 later in the day.
I am by no means a decent or particularly dedicated golfer, but I do know a $42 course when I see one. Given its current state, Walden Lake does not have anything close to a $42 course.
When I’m visiting friends in Polk County — that is, the guys at my skill level — we like to hit up Lake Bess Golf Course. Lake Bess does not have the kind of course and atmosphere Walden Lake aspires to have, but it’s both player-friendly and well-maintained. You can get a cart and get on there any time, any day for $21 (or $30 for a full 18 holes). It also offers a $9 fee for golfers age 15 and under.
It may not cater to the wants of golf’s more affluent practitioners but, for younger golfers or people on a tight budget, it’s a good look.
I know that Walden Lake residents have high hopes for the future of their course(s) but, at the moment, this outsider sees a lack of self-awareness that’s not doing any good for the near future. Talking to people who play the course more often than I have has reinforced my belief.
Perhaps pricing the golf course more appropriately would not only help book some tee times for now, but also bring in some more money to fix at least a few of the problems.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.