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It’s Business 101.

Offer the customer a quality product at an affordable price, and your chances of keeping the doors open are pretty good.

But when it comes to plunking down some hard-earned green to step on the greens, Northland golf directors say their competitive prices are keeping their courses busy this summer.

"We’re holding our own," said John Marquardt, director of golf at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, which houses two 18-hole layouts, as well as a three-hole practice facility. "I would say our rounds are equivalent to last year if not up a little bit, and revenues are similar to last year.

"We’re keeping the status quo. It just seems to be a price that people are willing to pay for the quality of golf we have to offer."

At Cardinal Hill Golf Club in Liberty, Jim Jamis, general manager and director of golf, can’t quite compare apples to apples, with new management taking over the course operations at what used to be known as Claycrest Golf Course in March.

However, his eyes, and his spreadsheets, have let him know Cardinal Hill is not just making the cut, but throwing a solid number on the board.

"I will tell you the trend in golf that I have seen … what has been called ‘price-point’ facilities, like Cardinal Hill, have thrived," Jamis said. "Golfers aren’t going to play less golf. They’re going to be more cautious about where they play.

"I think if a guy is going to play 20 times a year, he’s still going to play 20 times a year."

That doesn’t mean all areas of local public golf operations are booming. Because while Joe Golfer may still find a way to scratch up enough money to get on the course, he may be more discerning when it comes to opening up his wallet once he gets there.

Both Marquardt and Jamis pointed to on-location merchandise sales as the biggest area of revenue loss this season.

"You are still going to have the guys that are going to buy the quick items," said Jamis, referring to tees, balls and the like. "What you’re not going to see is the guy who’s, ‘Fit me for a new set of irons. I need a new driver.’ You’re not seeing hardly any of that going on right now."

Sports Editor Scott Tittrington can be reached at 389-6632 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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