UNION — Tee time will be more expensive at Buffalo Peak Golf Course in 2024.

The Union County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 on Wednesday, Nov. 1, to boost the cost of green fees and season passes at Buffalo Peak in Union.

Season passes and green fees will both increase by an average of about 10%. The increased fees were made at the recommendation of Dana Londin, the course’s general manager.

“It was a hard decision to make,” he said.

Londin, said the increases are needed because of rising expenses. He noted fertilizer costs have recently risen 40% and the minimum wage continues to rise.

The price increase in fertilizer has been triggered by the war between Russia and Ukraine, according to the website Illinois.edu. The war has reduced supplies of fertilizers, primarily from Russia and Europe.

Oregon’s minimum wage outside the Portland Metro area is now $14.20 an hour, up from $13.50 in 2022 and $12.75 in 2021 according to the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.

Information provided to the county commissioners by Londin show that even with the price increases, the cost of green fees and season passes at Buffalo Peak are lower in many cases than what is being charged at Quail Ridge Golf Course in Baker City, and Wildhorse and Birch Creek golf courses in Pendleton. 

Commissioner Matt Scarfo said these comparisons are noteworthy and added that he would not be surprised to see Quail Ridge, Birch Creek and Wildhorse also raise their 2024 prices.

Scarfo said he understands that Buffalo Peak has no choice but to boost its prices if it wants to maintain the playability of its popular course.

“When expenses are up and revenue is the same, that is not a good equation. That is business 101,” he said.

Scarfo said that if Buffalo Peak’s prices were not raised, it would risk losing money because it might start drawing fewer golfers. He said it is unfortunate that a price increase is needed.

“It is sad that people who enjoy playing a Buffalo Peak will have to pay more to play,” Scarfo said.

Season passes

The cost of a season pass for juniors age 17 and under will remain the same at $125 under the new price schedule approved by the board of commissioner. However the price of a single cart season pass will be increased 8.6% to $575 and the price of a couple cart season pass will rise 8.7% to $685.

The price of single season passes will jump 9%. A pass for couples and families will increase to $1,100; a pass for singles age 36-59 will increase to $825; a pass for juniors adult age 19-36 will increase to $495; a pass for seniors over 60 will increase to $770; a senior couple pass will increase to $990; and a corporate pass will increase to $1,650.

The cost of a pass for an Eastern Oregon University student taking at least 12 credits a term for a full year will rise 10% to $250 and the price of a pass for an EOU student taking 12 credits during the spring term will increase 16.6% to $150.

Green fees

The cost to play Monday through Thursday will rise $5 to $35 for 18 holes and $2 to $20 for nine holes. Weekend green fees will increase by $6 to $40 for 18 holes and the cost of playing nine holes will rise $2 to $26.

Green fees for seniors age 60 and up and juniors 17 and under will continue to be lower than the standard price. The price for seniors playing 18 holes will rise $4 to $28 on weekdays through Thursday and $2 on weekends to $34. The price for seniors playing nine holes will rise $2 to $18 on weekdays and $3 to $23 on weekends.

The price for juniors playing nine or 18 holes will not change. It will remain $10 on weekdays through Thursday and $15 on weekends.