Golf commission raises range-ball prices, considers $5,000 wait-list software to curb no‑shows

Trey, the golf operations lead, told the Murphersboro Golf Commission in its June 2026 meeting that staff will raise range-ball bag prices by $1 per bag effective July 1 to help offset rising expenses.

The move, approved by unanimous voice vote, increases the small bag from $6 to $7, the medium from $9 to $10 and the large from $15 to $16, Trey said. Trey said the change is expected to generate roughly $25,000–$30,000 in additional revenue annually and was presented as a modest supplement while no greens‑fee increases are planned for the midyear.

The commission also heard a presentation on an online wait-list and notification product that integrates with the tee-sheet, sends text reminders and maintains a wait list for sold-out tee times. Trey said the vendor charges a $5,000 upfront one‑year fee and that, by reducing no-shows and filling cancelled slots, the system could help recover tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue. Trey estimated the course’s current no-show exposure could be substantial if the local rate matched national averages, and projected the software could recoup roughly half of the estimated lost tee-time revenue.

Commissioners pressed for operational details: how often tee sheets are fully booked seven days out, the vendor’s notification timing, automated reminders and whether the system would add staff work. Trey said the product is largely automated, can be tuned to send confirmations 24–48 hours ahead, and would capture whether a customer confirmed by text. He recommended a pilot or a stepwise approach—start with reminders and wait-list functionality, then consider any fee for persistent no-shows.

Trey also reviewed recent revenue figures that framed the policy discussions: year‑to‑date driving-range revenue is roughly $210,000 and is projected to reach about $220,000–$225,000 by the budget year end; overall rounds at Old Fort and Bloomfield remain on pace and Old Fort is expected to surpass $3 million in annual revenue for the first time. Members said these operational trends justified modest price and policy steps to protect revenue while maintaining access.

The commission directed staff to review contracts with legal and purchasing and to return with more details on implementation and timing; no binding multi-year commitment was approved at the meeting.