Golfers weigh in on outside players in Sun City West

To allow outside golf play or not to allow outside golf play — that was the question.

The answer, by way of a governing board decision Jan. 28, was the former. The board voted to change a bylaw and subsequent policy that will allow golfers from outside communities to play in Sun City West, in hopes of augmenting revenue following a trend of decreasing golf rounds.

Golfers at two of the seven courses in Sun City West were understanding of the board’s decision to extend play to outsiders.

Pebblebrook golfers Ralph DePron, Bernard Johnson and Jim Kunzie said they have noticed a huge decrease in golfers in the last 10 years.

"Ten years ago ... when I was president of the Men’s Club (at Pebblebrook) there were 600 members. We’ve got 280 now," he said.

"Two hundred fifty or whatever it is now is not enough to keep it (closed)," added Johnson. "There’s plenty of room for everyone to play."

DePron said he doesn’t mind opening the courses to outsiders because it will mean lower costs for residents.

"It’s fine with me. It will increase play, keep my money down. If they can keep my dues down, I’m happy with opening the courses," he said. "Thirty-five and older are not going to tear up the golf courses."

Kunzie, too, said he was concerned with increases to golf fees.

"Anything to help the dues situation I’m in favor of," he said. "As long as you keep the age thing up there, above 35, I think most people are pretty sensible at that age."

Dale Neudecker, a Sun City Grand winter resident who was golfing at Grandview, said he enjoys the courses and driving ranges in Sun City West. He understands why the board opted to expand the program that previously allowed only golfers from neighboring senior communities like himself to play.

"I think in this depressed economy it makes good sense rather than have the golf courses struggle financially," he said. "If we got to the point where the residents couldn’t play because there was so much outside play that’d be different, but I don’t think that’s going to happen."

Likewise, Brigitte Phelan and Velma Smith said while they prefer to have the courses closed they realize the drops in revenue affect the association’s ability to operate.

"It does make it a public course and it takes away from some of the things that were important to us when we came here but I understand the financial need is there so I think those on the governing board have to make the decision," Smith said.

General Manager Mike Whiting will determine the parameters for the outside play program, including age restrictions and fees, per the board decision.

The plan is subject to board approval, and several members have said they would be in favor of restricting or ending the program if problems arose in the community.

"We hope it will be as successful as the Controlled Neighborhood Play program was for us," Whiting said.

Whiting said staff is in the process of designing the outside play program and will provide the board with several options.

By March, Whiting said he hopes the program will be approved and ready to be initiated.

"I think people are realizing that unless we have more golfers on the golf course, the rates are going to go up," he said.

"Bringing people in from outside who will be paying quite a bit more is a good thing for us."

Erin Turner may be reached at 623-876-2522 or eturner@yourwestvalley.com.