Golf course fees do not coincide with holes played

For years the threesome I golf with played primarily at Twin Pines. Several years ago, after another season pass cost increase, we checked out other possibilities.

We discovered a course south of the city offering season passes at half the Cedar Rapids cost. Further, we found that though the distance and travel time was greater than to Twin Pines, the fee differential made it a “no brainer.”

We have accumulated more than 240 years of aches, pains, heart bypasses, cardiac stents, knee replacements, and various other ills. Not withstanding, we walk the course for our health, but for only nine holes.

Cedar Rapids never accommodated players who wanted to play only nine holes, but insisted on charging for 18 whether the second nine was played or not. Changing Jones back to a nine holes would make it quite attractive if season passes and daily fees were appropriately lower than the 18 hole courses.

I am reminded of the story of the turnip farmer who brought a load of turnips to the farmers market. He put up a sign advertising his turnips at 25 cents each. A the end of the day he decided that he hadn't made as much money as he had hoped so the next week he marked his turnips at 50 cents each hoping to make twice as much. He was even more disappointed.

Cedar Rapids' past philosophy regarding the setting golf fees seems to indicate that they would be well advised to not venture into the turnip business.

Dave G. Clemens

Cedar Rapids