A Minnesota golf course has a strategy to attract young golfers with the goal of keeping them interested in the game for decades to come.
According to a story in the Morrison County Record, Little Falls Golf Course will not charge anyone 18 years old and younger anything to play golf. No green fees, no junior memberships.
City Administrator Jon Radermacher told the Record it might seem “radical” but thinks it’ll pay off down the road.
“To me, I think it’s an investment in our community,” he said. “If you get people hooked on golf, or at least exposed to golf when they’re in their younger years, they’re going to come back when they’re older and capable to pay. They’re going to be future members for our course. I think, for us, that could yield some great benefits.”
Like many golf courses the last couple years, Little Falls saw an increase in play but also has increased expenses. It also wants to pay its employees more. With junior golfers now playing for free, the family membership has gone away but the course offers memberships for couples for $1500. A single membership is now $800. There are no more senior discounts nor will there any longer be different rates for city residents and non-residents.
Rates will also vary based on the time of year and time of day but Radermacher tells the Record the average price for golf with a cart will be about $45 for non-members.
“I think that would be in line with where we need to be,” he said. “With those changes on the membership side and then the greens fees side, I think that really would set us in line for future years.”