Duffing Fees To Go Up A Bit In Simsbury This Year

SIMSBURY, CT — Those playing golf this year at Simsbury's town-owned golf course at Simsbury Farms might want to yell "more" if their shot goes awry instead of the customary "fore."

That's because fees to play golf will go up once again for 2023, as approved last week by the Simsbury Board of Selectmen.

Essentially, the fee schedule for the new year goes up by 50 cents and $1 for weekend and weekday green fees, with 50-cent and $1 hikes in golf maintenance surcharge fees.

It all means that the cost to play 18 holes goes from $40 to $42 and nine holes from $23 to $24.

Additionally, increases were also approved for other rates for seniors, military members, twilight golfers as well as special rates.

In addition, increases are approved for yearly memberships as well, by $125 a year to $1,430 for adults, with other hikes approved for senior citizens, who still pay less than adults.

Tom Tyburski, Simsbury's director of culture, parks and recreation, told selectmen Feb. 15 the cost of running a golf course is increasing and with improvements planned at the 100 Old Farms Road location, this should help meet certain financial goals.

"Based on the superintendent's six-year plan, we feel that's necessary to keep up a bit," Tyburski said regarding the fee hikes.

As for the nature of the increase, both town officials and Simsbury Parks and Recreation Commission members claim the hikes are, still, fiscally feasible for most golfers and shouldn't dent duffing budgets too much.

"We feel that with the golf market being competitive, this is where we feel comfortable," Tyburski said. "We feel its a comfortable amount and we're not overtaxing our residents who play golf there."

Simsbury First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis agreed.

"I support what the rates are and what the parks and rec committee unanimously agreed to. I do like the idea of not bumping rates up higher this year given people are facing some economic challenges, (such as) the residents and seniors in town, " she said.

The motion to approve the fees came with minimal discussion and was easily unanimous.

In the past five years, the green fees have gone up a total of $8 a round for 18, with the adult fee being $34 in 2018, according to the town.

For the minutes of the Feb. 15 Simsbury Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

For more information on Simbury Farms Golf Course, click on this link.