Consultant says Chelan golf course worth preserving despite mounting costs

CHELAN — A national golf industry consultant told Chelan officials the city’s municipal golf course faces millions of dollars in needed infrastructure upgrades and mounting operational pressures, but remains a valuable public asset worth preserving for both residents and the tourism economy.

During a joint workshop between the Chelan City Council and Parks Board on May 5, National Golf Foundation representative Richard Singer presented findings from a long-term sustainability study commissioned earlier this year by the city. The study examined the condition, finances and future operational structure of the Lake Chelan Golf Course.

Singer said the course remains popular and financially strong in some areas, generating record revenue and nearly 30,000 rounds in 2025, but warned that aging infrastructure and rising operational costs are creating long-term challenges.

“The city of Chelan is in the golf business,” Singer told councilmembers and parks board members. “It’s a tough business to be in.”

The report identified between $5.5 million and more than $7 million in capital needs at the course, including what Singer described as the highest-priority issue: replacement of the aging irrigation system, estimated at roughly $4 million.

“I don’t know that you can kick the can down the road on this anymore,” Singer said.

According to the presentation, the aging irrigation system affects course conditions, labor efficiency and water use. Staff spend significant time repairing leaks and managing inadequate coverage rather than maintaining the course itself.

Singer also noted that many features of the course date back to its original 1960s-era design, including small greens and tee boxes that increase maintenance demands.

The findings build on concerns city officials discussed publicly at the end of February when Chelan launched the consultant study as part of a broader effort to evaluate the course’s long-term financial sustainability and future role within the city park system.

Despite the challenges, Singer repeatedly emphasized that the course performs well compared to many municipal golf operations nationwide.

Revenue at the golf course reached approximately $1.77 million in 2025, the highest in course history, according to the presentation. Singer said revenue per round exceeded national averages for comparable public golf facilities.

However, operational expenses have climbed sharply in recent years.

According to the presentation, operating expenses have increased roughly 60% since 2021, driven largely by labor inflation and rising staffing demands. Singer also pointed to increasing internal city “inter-fund” charges — administrative allocations covering services like finance and human resources — as a major contributor to projected future losses.

Singer said city budget projections currently show a potential golf course shortfall approaching $700,000 in 2026 when operating expenses, capital costs and inter-fund charges are combined.

“The vast majority of municipal golf courses in the country are not profitable,” Singer said.

Still, he cautioned against viewing the course solely through a profit-and-loss lens.

“This is a public accommodation for the community,” Singer said. “It provides other benefits to the Chelan community by being there.”

The consultant outlined several recommendations aimed at improving long-term sustainability, including raising annual pass and cart fees, expanding tourism marketing partnerships with local lodging operators, modernizing technology systems, improving merchandising and increasing shoulder-season play through tournaments and events.

“Golf is gonna have to get more expensive for some in Chelan,” Singer said.

The report also discussed possible operational changes, including continued city self-operation, contracting with a private golf management company or potentially leasing the facility to a private operator willing to invest capital improvements into the course.

Singer said there was “no magic bullet” solution, describing the course’s future sustainability as dependent on a combination of operational improvements, pricing adjustments and major infrastructure investment.

Chelan officials said the final written report from the National Golf Foundation is expected later this month.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media