Manteca Golf Course is bucking the trend of golf course closings.

While two courses have closed recently in Brentwood as well as courses in Stockton and Modesto, Manteca’s municipal course is seeing increased play thanks to upgraded greens that are generating more revenue while whittling down the general fund subsidy.

The quality of the local course and its strengthening financial condition was discussed Tuesday as the City Council approved a rate increase for 2020 play. If the level of play remains unchanged the fee increase that is in line with rates charged by other public courses in the region will generate an additional $80,000.

Play has been rising for the past three years, An additional 2,500 rounds are projected for 2020 sending play past the 50,000 annual rounds mark for the first time in years.

The revenue from increased play has been able to reduce the city’s general fund subsidy of the golf course. The subsidy in the 2017-18 fiscal year was $320,000. It dropped to $165,000 in the 2018-19 fiscal year and is now at $150,000. The balance of the golf course operating and maintenance costs is covered by green fees.

Golf Pro Jeff DeBenedetti credits the success in part to significantly improved greens coupled with the quality of course maintenance done by city staff.

Councilman Dave Breitenbucher agreed noting the Manteca greens are almost on par with Spring Creek Country Club in Ripon.

“That’s saying a lot,” Breitenbucher said as he noted play is a lot less expensive at Manteca.

Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Fant shared that some longtime course players have made it a point to stop by his office and share how impressed they are with the greens that were improved and maintained by city crews.

There are between 118 and 150 players on the Manteca course on a typical day with play occasionally surpassing 200 people on some days.

The fee changes going into effect March 1 are as follows:

*18-hole weekday residential fee will go from $22 to $25.

*18-hole weekday non-resident fee will go from $26 to $29.

*9-hole weekday fee would will go from $6 to $17.

*Junior weekday fee will stay at $12.

*Twilight Weekday fee will go from $18 to $19.

*Super Twilight Weekday fee will  go from $13 to $14.

*The senior rate for Monday through Friday will go from $20 to $21.

*Active military weekday fee will stay at $15.

*18-hole weekend residential fee will go from $25 to $29.

*18-hole weekend non-resident fee will go from $33 to $34.

*9-hole weekend fee will go from $18 to $19.

*Junior weekend fee will stay at $14..

*Twilight Weekend fee will go from $19 to $20.

*Super Twilight Weekend fee will go from $15 to $16.

*Active military weekend fee will stay at $17.

*Adult resident monthly pass play will go from $ $99 to $114.

*Adult non-resident monthly pass play will go from $119 to $139.

*Senior resident monthly pass pay will go from $84 to $99.

*Senior non-resident monthly pass play will go from $99 to $119.

*Junior monthly pass play will stay at $50.

*Disability resident monthly pass pay will go from $84 to $99.

*Disability non-resident monthly pass play will go from $99 to $119.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com