As a person in charge of setting golf prices, I have thought long and hard about what it would take for golf pricing to stabilize. It’s an awesome exercise that serves no purpose. Here me out.
Golf course operators are under pressure to deliver better, smoother, faster greens. Players want it firm, yet lush green color is mandatory. They want bunkers to have crisp edges, and the sand consistent from bunker to bunker. Clippings need to be picked up, bare spots resodded, trees maintained, ponds free of algae, bridges rigid, paths paved, carts quiet, clean and reliable. Tees tight, level and free of wear. Players don’t want to be interrupted by mowers, chemical treatments invisible, drainage impeccible. Aerification needs to be masterful, and holes need to heal immediately. Pace needs to be quick, on course services available all hours of day, and clubhouses beautiful, clean, inviting and well stocked. Employees in uniforms, well trained, abundant and each with a servant’s heart.
The demand from the consumer for more and more and more, is what has driven the price of golf – up, up, up. Does it make the golf better, or simply more complicated? The minute this demand stops or even relaxes, I would imagine climbing prices will slow down. Look no further than Australia or the UK. They simply don’t care as much about fluff. Their fees are WAY less. A train needs a lot of room to slow down. Slowing this train isn’t going to happen. It’s not “United States way” to suddenly be content with less. Western civilization demands more. When your favorite places to play go up, just remember they are doing their best to meet the requests they hear on a daily basis. Golf costs money, there simply is no way around it.
Condition and experience wise I would say your course is better than most in the area. There are still some scrub courses that don’t get any better but the price still goes up every year. I agree that all the reasons you listed are contributing factors for the annual increase, but there are other reasons golf courses raise their prices. I also believe we need these other courses because the majority of people who play them are prepared for a 2.5-3 hour 9 on the weekend and are perfectly ok with it and they don’t mind paying $40 for the experience.