Walking instead of golf carts; Pronghorn has record June

By Kelsey Watts, KTVZ.COM

Tourism remains a huge economic driver in Central Oregon, and many out-of-towners come here for golf. But are the numbers as strong as they once were?

With nearly 30 golf courses on the High Desert, the sport plays a major role in shaping our economy.

So how are local courses faring, and are golfers cutting back?

The overall message Tuesday at an off-course pro shop, and three local courses, was that while some people are making small changes to save money on the course, they're still playing.

At Bend's pro Golf Shop, business is still busy.

"We're still seeing the people," said General Manager Nelson Von Stroh. "Luckily, our regulars are still coming in."

But what they are buying has changed. Big ticket purchases are down, as customers instead are repairing the equipment they already have, or buying second-hand.

"There's a lot of retail businesses and golf courses that have plain gone out of business in the last 18 months to two years, so yeah, that's a worry, definitely," Von Stroh said. "But I think here in Bend, we're a little insulated, and I'm thankful for that."

So is Dan Frantz, a golfer of some 50 years. Newly retired, he's hitting the course now more than ever.

"And the courses have changed their prices a little bit, you know, in response to the way things are going right now," Frantz said.

At River's Edge, a public golf course, the number of visitors is down, but local play is still going strong.

"We're seeing that they are still playing their 18 holes when they come out," said Troy Eckberg, director of golf. "It's how often, is the question."

And up the road, at Awbrey Glen's private golf club, the biggest change: People are walking more, rather than paying extra for the carts.

"It's been a little bit slower, but we're actually pleasantly surprised on how things are going so far," said Tim Fraley, head golf professional. "Our play is up, member rounds are up, and guest play is strong."

So how does that compare with our large-scale resort courses? Pronghorn, for one, has just seen its best June ever.

"You have to remember, we're only five years old," said Michael Marion, the resort's director of golf. "But going into the season, with the economy the way it was, I don't think we really knew what to expect."

Pronghorn also saw slightly fewer guests, but overall play was up by more than 250 games.

"What they meant to the golf shop was $10,000 of golf shop sales," Marion said. "Well, incrementally they also helped our bar sales, food and beverage sales, so as a club, every department had a banner month in June, and it looks like we're heading for another one in July."

There are many other local changes on the courses.

For one, some private courses are switching to public, to attract more players. And with nearly 30 courses in our backyard, many are now doing more advertising and sending out mailers, as they become more aggressive to attract your business.