Palm Springs golfers decry proposed green-fee hikes, ask commission for ad hoc committee

At the Oct. 27 Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, a steady stream of public commenters urged the commission to reverse or moderate proposed green-fee and resident-card increases, saying the hikes would put public golf out of reach for many long-time residents.

The speakers, largely players and league representatives who identified themselves as regular users of municipal courses, said the increases would reduce play, disrupt community groups and cut ancillary local spending by players. "It's unacceptable for us to have a 64% fee increase," said Jackie Bowman, who introduced herself as "president of Chocolate Street Butter and Spa Club," during public comment. "We're out on the course when we see the Learjets flying over ... they're going down valley to play private country clubs. We do not have access to that."

Why it matters: Commenters said…