The course took in about $621,942 from various playing fees and memberships, according to statistics Golf Pro Joe Carville presented to the Golf Commission on Tuesday.

Continues upward trend in on-course earnings with $595,131 from last season, marking a 4.96% increase over 2022 earnings of $567,019.

Membership remained steady at 166 this year compared to 2023, although dues revenue dropped to $118,800 this season from $215,290 the previous season.

However, fees from rounds played nearly doubled to $421,601 this season over $215,290 last season.

The change in income is largely due to restructuring of fees and memberships have been rolled out at the course this season to increase profits while giving players a fairer and more affordable experience.

Tuition and debt service expenses typically exceed income by an average of $250,000 each fiscal year. The city’s non-calendar fiscal years run from July to June.

Although officials plan to monitor the impact of the change over time, they do not expect to reverse course.

“What we’re trying to do is get back to profitability,” Golf Commission member William Dzierson said. “Green rates have been where we’ve made our money and that’s what we’ve tried to grow.”

The restructured system created the preferred program for customers while changing the unlimited program for linked members. Both programs involve an upfront fee to receive discounted greens fee rates.

The change was intended to lower the barrier to entry for new golfers while creating a more balanced pay-to-play model among regular players.

“I don’t want anyone to think that members aren’t appreciated, because they certainly are,” Golf Commission member Christine Sherlock said.

Under the previous system, the cost to traditional permit holders meant that some high-volume golfers paid very low outing rates, while often filling peak periods when other rates would have been charged.

“Some people were paying under $20 per trip,” Dzierson said.

The golf commission has proposed a 5 percent increase in membership and greens fees for non-permit holders for next season. The Common Council would have to authorize the rate increase for it to take effect. It is unclear when the proposal may be considered by the council.

The proposal was developed based on analysis of rates charged by other courses in the area, which found that the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course charges less.

If the rate increase is authorized, Golf Commission member Daniel Quatrini said the cost to play at Muni would still be lower than other courses in the area.

“It’s a better course to begin with, and even though it’s a few dollars more, in my opinion, it’s still the best value in the Capital District because it’s a Robert Trent Jones course,” Quatrini said. “People will look into it, but once they get over it, they don’t want to not come.”

Under the proposed rates, green fees for non-members would increase by just $1 on weekday evenings and no more than $4 on weekend mornings.

Preferred customers would pay annual fees of $525 next season, up from $500 this year. Legacy members would pay annual fees of $1,575 and $2,835 for couples, up from $1,500 and $2,700, respectively, this year.

Green fees for preferred customers would remain at $10 for nine holes and $20 for 18 holes. Legacy members would only pay greens fees on peak weekend mornings at $20 for a full round.

Both 4th Councilor Christopher Carpenter and 5th Councilor James Martuscello, who serve as liaisons to the Golf Commission, apparently support the proposed increases.

“I think they’re going to see the value in it,” Carpenter said of the golfers.

Officials and golfers at the meet praised the conditions at Muni since landscaping company BrightView took over course maintenance in 2020.

In addition, officials said course offerings will expand after the addition of a practical at the end of this season and future plans to create a children’s course with four or five holes in the action area to encourage families to play.

The tentatively planned construction of a new clubhouse at next year’s course is expected to be another attraction for golfers and general residents to enjoy a meal or a drink.

Closing it the first season course, Carville plans to work on marketing over the winter to attract new and returning players. He also wants to use the time to plan more clinics and leagues for next season.

“Just to kind of get the word out that, you know, we’re on the up and up. And it’s an exciting time to be here,” Carville said. “The more people that get here, the more people we get interested in golf, the more fun they’re going to have.”

After a “fantastic” season, Carville hopes to remain at the Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course for the foreseeable future.

“It blew my mind with the people here, the course itself and just the excitement around what’s going on here,” Carville said. I couldn’t ask for a better start to my Muni career.”

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