Greens Fees Falling in Palm Springs

Greens fees are dropping in Palm Springs, as golf course operators slash rates in an effort to generate business. According to this story in today's Desert Sun, prices have fallen to pre-2000 levels. And it seems to be working -- for course owners and their customers.

At Eagle Falls GC in Indio, operators dropped greens fees $20 (to $75 weekdays and $95 weekends) after one of the slowest Januarys in years. "I don't think since Feb. 1, we've had any less than 150 rounds a day," Eagle Falls director of golf Willie Maples told the newspaper. "I don't know where [all the golfers] are coming from, but thank goodness for the business. We made the right decision."

Other courses in the area have adopted similar strategies, including Trilogy GC in La Quinta ($130 greens fee to $100); Indian Canyons in Palm Desert (discounts of $20 to $30, depending on the day and time); and Desert Princess in Cathedral City (which is offering a deal of five rounds of golf and $100 worth of food for $349).

-- G.R.