Bartlett Hills fees likely to stay same

Getting golfers out to Bartlett Hills has been a perpetual challenge, so the fees to play the village-owned course this season will be on par with last year's.

A resident golfer can again expect to pay $37 for a weekend round of 18 holes, while nonresidents will pay $46. Twilight rates for nine holes on the weekend will remain $23 for residents, $28 for nonresidents.

The rate freeze isn't official just yet; village trustees will likely approve the measure March 18.

Business has been sluggish for about five years, golf pro and Course Manager Bob Gavelek told the village board on Tuesday.

About five years ago, the course used to average 42.5 rounds daily, about four more than it currently does, Gavelek said. Leaving the rates unchanged will help maintain business, he said.

"It's a lagging industry," Gavelek said.

Public courses nationwide have seen a drop due in part to saturation of the market -- growing supply, stagnant demand. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of people playing golf has declined or remained stagnant since 2000.

The owners of Villa Olivia Country Club in Bartlett say their golf course has been losing money for several years. They're in the middle of a bitter battle with the village in order to sell the property to a housing developer.

Faced with similar financial woes, area courses have turned to aggressive pricing strategies focused on weekday play and weekend evening fees.

Gavelek said as the 2008 season takes shape and certain trends become apparent, there may be a need to help address activity.

Village President Catherine Melchert suggested a marketing campaign that plays up Bartlett Hills' central location and record-high gas prices. Residents can walk or bike there, she said.

Rounds of golf at Bartlett Hills are up 0.9 percent in 2007 compared to the previous year.