Facts and Stats.
June 1 , 2022
Demand for golf tee times in Vancouver has increased with a record number of 230,000 rounds played in 2021. This number compares to 144,382 rounds played in 2019 (the previous full year of golfing). The 2021 Year end data show a windfall Net Profit from Golf of $6.2 million, money that is transferred for use by other sports.
According to the Parks Board Budget, gross revenue for golf was expected to rise to $11.391 million in 2022. Gross expenditure was expected to be $7.445 million with a record net surplus of $3.946 million transferred to General Revenue for use in service areas other than golf. The actual results from 2021 indicate these numbers are extremely conservative.
Cost of golf courses completely funded by players.
The maintenance costs of the Vancouver City courses are totally funded by course fees and return a net profit to the City of Vancouver. Golf operations are the Park Board’s second largest source of operating revenues, generating roughly 16% of Parks Board total revenue. Golf operations and maintenance are self-sustaining thanks to the Golf Reserve Fund.
Like all recreation facilities, golf courses require specialized maintenance as do tennis courts, playing fields, playgrounds and community centres. A 2010 decision to increase golf fees to “Market Rates” was intended to pay for the upgrades of the golf courses. Vancouver golfers were promised that fees would be reduced once course upgrades had been financed. The cost of the course upgrades was completely funded by 2017. Although the Langara course is yet to be fully upgraded, the money for the budgeted expense has been set aside in the Golf Reserve Fund. After completion of this year’s work, the fund is projected to have a balance of $2.4 million at year’s end (2021).