The Elevated Fee Structure...May Be An Impediment

Thanks to reader John for the heads up/reminder to post a story by Marisa Taylor in The Virginian-Pilot about the struggling TPC Virginia Beach. Golf World this week picked up the intriguing quote from the PGA Tour Golf Course Properties' Vernon Kelly.

TPC President Vernon Kelly Jr. told city officials his company wants to sell the leasing rights to Sandler because of the course’s financial difficulties.

TPC is South Hampton Roads’ most expensive course, with greens fees of $128 for 18 holes for nonresidents during peak playing season, spring through fall. For Virginia Beach residents, the charge is $96.

“Unfortunately, the association of the TPC with the golf facility has not resulted in the hoped-for financial results,” Kelly wrote to City Manager James K. Spore in a Nov. 29 letter. “In fact, the absolute performance standards associated with that brand ... and the elevated fee structure which is part of the high-end experience may actually be an impediment.”

 Figures on the course’s financial problems are not available. TPC is a private company and does not report its business figures to the city.

The elevated fee structure which is part of the high-end experience may actually be an impediment.

The green fees were too high.