Title
Modify the Junior Golf Card Program and Amend Ordinance S-35137 Approving Fee Model for City Golf Course Green Fees - Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
Description
This report requests the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning (TIP) Subcommittee recommend that the City Council (a) modify the Junior Golf Card program to extend the validity period of the card and add a daily green fee and (b) amend Ordinance S-35137 (Attachment A), which governs the current fee structure for Phoenix golf courses to clarify that golf course fees may be adjusted seasonally based on a benchmark maximum.
THIS ITEM IS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION.
Report
Summary
The City of Phoenix owns eight municipal golf courses, six of which are operated by the City, and two of which are operated contractually. Over the past 10 years, golf rounds at the courses have increased an average of 11,000 rounds per year, with the courses offering more than 427,000 rounds of golf last year. This consistent growth has assisted with creating an environment in which all City-owned golf courses remain self-sustaining. Public peak season fees at Phoenix 18-hole golf courses are significantly below market-based pricing for golf in the Phoenix area, providing the public with affordable options to recreate and engage in a quality golf experience.
The golf courses offer extensive amenities, including eight putting greens, five chipping areas, and six driving ranges, providing ample space for practice and skill development. The chipping and putting areas are free for public use, while the driving ranges offer golfers the opportunity to practice at an affordable cost of $5 for 35 balls.
All eight courses host youth and adult lessons, making them accessible for players of all skill levels. The facilities are heavily utilized by local high school teams, with 33 teams using the courses for both practice and competitive tournaments, including the Arizona Interscholastic Association State Golf Championships. Additionally, the courses serve as a hub for youth golf development, with Arizona Junior Golf organizing tournaments on-site and the PGA First Tee Program. The courses also play an important role in inclusive sports, as Encanto Golf Course hosts the Arizona Special Olympics State Regional Tournament, fostering opportunities for athletes of all abilities to compete and enjoy the game.
Junior Golf Card Program
The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to expanding access to the sport for young players through its Junior Golf Card (JGC) program. The JGC program is designed for golfers ages 17 and under, to make golf more affordable while fostering long-term engagement with City of Phoenix courses. The current JGC, is $30 for unlimited play over 30 days. To expand access and increase youth participation, the Department is proposing a modification to the program, to extend the card's validity from 30 days to 12 months. The revised program would maintain the one-time $30 JGC cost, but introduce a $5 daily green fee, which includes 35 practice balls. It remains a walk-on/standby program with seasonal play restrictions, and same-day replay rounds will be free. By making golf more affordable and accessible year-round, this initiative encourages greater participation and fosters long-term engagement with Phoenix golf courses among junior golfers and their families.
Fee Model for City Golf Courses Green Fees
The current system-wide fee model for Phoenix golf courses, developed by the National Golf Foundation (NGF), was established in 2008 following a recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Board and approval by the City Council to support the long-term financial sustainability of Phoenix golf courses.
The NGF fee model established the in-season maximum benchmark fee of $35 for Phoenix card holders and $55 for public non-card holder fees, with an optional annual increase of the maximum benchmark fee tied to the cost-of-living, not to exceed 5 percent annually. These benchmark maximum fees act as a price cap, and allow the Parks and Recreation Department the ability to adjust golf fees below these maximums based on the season, market competition / demand, and location. Any annual increase above 5 percent or any change to the formulas used in the fee model must be brought back to the Parks and Recreation Board for recommendation and to City Council for approval.
As written, Ordinance S-35137 addresses golf green fee adjustments, rather than maximum benchmark fee adjustments. The Parks and Recreation Department is requesting an amendment to clarify Ordinance S-35137 to better align with the intent of the City Council approved NGF fee model, which allows for an optional annual increase to the maximum benchmark fee, tied to the cost of living, not to exceed 5 percent. In addition, the proposed changes specify that the annual increases to the maximum benchmark fees will be tied to the annual COLA published by the United States Social Security Administration.
To implement this clarification, the Department is requesting that the Subcommittee recommend City Council approval to amend Ordinance S-35137 as follows:
Ordinance S-35137 is hereby amended by striking Section 2 in its entirely and replacing it with the following:
The City Manager or his designee shall set a benchmark maximum fee equal to the maximum fee designated in Section 1 plus an annual increase equal to the lesser of the Social Security Administration Cost of Living Adjustment or 5%. The City Manager or his designee may adjust golf course fees seasonally and on a per-course basis to rates that do not exceed the benchmark maximum fee.
This amendment to the Ordinance does not impact the current practice of how golf fees are set.
Recommendation
This report requests the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning (TIP) Subcommittee recommend that the City Council (a) modify the Junior Golf Card program to extend the validity period of the card from one month to 12 months and add a $5 daily green fee and (b) amend Ordinance S-35137 (Attachment A), which governs the current fee structure for Phoenix golf courses to clarify that golf course fees may be adjusted seasonally based on a benchmark maximum.
Concurrence
The Parks and Recreation Board unanimously approved this recommendation on March 27, 2025.
Location
Cave Creek Golf Course; Encanto Golf Course and 9 hole; GCU Golf Course; Palo Verde Golf Course; Papago Golf Course; Aguila Golf Course and 9 hole
Council Districts: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Parks and Recreation Department.