The current temperatures continue to tempt golfers to play a round at Coyote Run. A record 38,800 rounds were played at the Flossmoor course this year. The course could record 39,000 by the end of the year, according to Tom Denklau, course manager.
Coyote Run bases its fee structure on summer, spring/fall and winter rates.
Golfers now are paying a winter rate of $25 for resident and $35 for non-resident 18-hole golf Monday through Friday, and $30 for resident and $45 for non-resident 18-hole golf Saturday and Sunday.
The area will be losing several golf courses, including Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park and Glen Eagle Country Club in Palos Park. He knows of other courses in Lockport and Northwest Indiana that may be closing. Denklau said between those closings there could be more than 100,000 rounds to be played at other courses. He anticipates Coyote Run will draw some of that business.
Golfers have been hitting the links at the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District’s course, but the pandemic is bringing more players out. Denklau reported to park commissioners the three-year pre-COVID-19 average was 30,664 rounds, with a 10-year pre-COVID-19 average of 29,349 rounds.
“COVID-19 has made us rethink fee structures, evaluate demand and change the way we think about golf,” Denklau said. “Coyote Run generated 55.1% of its rounds from non-residents, 16.9% of its rounds from residents, 10.4% are outing rounds and 17.6% are discounted, which are difficult to determine resident or non-resident rounds.”
Park commissioners voted Dec. 21 to approve Denklau’s proposals for several rate changes, and to move more golfers to a pre-payment system. He said this past year, golfers would book for a foursome, but only two or three golfers would actually play Coyote Run. He estimates 1,900 rounds were lost on no-shows. By moving to online pre-pay, the likelihood is golfers will keep the reservation.
“The busiest days of the week are Saturday followed by Friday, Wednesday and Sunday,” Denklau reported. He recommended a new summer rate for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday play of $47 with cart and $35 for a walking game.
The board agreed with Denklau to drop a league fee registration of $30, and Coyote Run will no longer offer the option of a Chicago District Golf Association handicap with registration.
The board also approved Denklau’s recommendation to raise all multi-class golf lesson fees. The four-hour junior classes will go up $10 per session for residents and non-residents. The five-hour adult class will increase by $5 per session.