Burnet raises golf course rates and offers locals discount
Delaware Springs Golf Course, 600 Delaware Springs Blvd. off of U.S. 281 in Burnet. Staff photo by Elizabeth De Los Santos
The Burnet City Council approved a new round of rate increases and resident discounts for Delaware Springs Golf Course that went into effect April 22.
Under Ordinance 2025-19, the following rates at the city-owned course rose by $2 each:
- weekday 18-hole green fees to $36;
- weekend/holiday rates to $49;
- and a bucket of range balls to $10.
The monthly fee for the Player Development Program, which includes unlimited range balls, increased by $20 to $69.99.
Burnet City Manager David Vaughn said the adjustments reflect rising costs across the board.
“Delaware Springs is an enterprise fund, which means it’s expected to pay for itself,” he explained. “Like many places, the cost of supplies, equipment, and labor has gone up. This small increase will help keep the course in good condition and allow us to keep making it better.”
The ordinance also outlines the following policy changes:
- restricted walking hours before 1 p.m. on weekends and holidays;
- and revised twilight hours to after 2 p.m. during Standard Time and after 3 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time.
In a nod to local golfers, the City Council also approved a new $5 discount on 18-hole green fees ($2 for nine holes) for Burnet residents. Although the discount is expected to reduce annual revenue by around $4,000, Vaughn said the decision reflects the city’s commitment to its residents.
“We see it as a way to give back to those who already contribute to the course’s success through their support as taxpayers and regular users,” he said.
Residents can receive the discount by showing an ID or other proof of address within Burnet city limits.
Junior high and high school golf team members from the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District will now receive one free range bucket during twilight hours when accompanied by a coach or responsible adult.
Delaware Springs has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to a recent Burnet financial report, the public course has raked in $253,273 profit this fiscal year, up more than $57,000 from the previous year. Overall revenues have increased by more than $208,000 since last year, largely due to rate increases and a 1.4 percent uptick in green fee rounds.
Operating expenses remain “well within budget,” currently at 39 percent of annual projections per the report.
Past rate increases have enabled several improvements, including cart path replacements, equipment upgrades, and staff expansion.
“These changes make the course more enjoyable and bring more golfers to play here,” Vaughn said. “One thing we hear over and over is how great the course looks, especially compared to other courses.”
To maintain course quality, the council also approved the purchase of a new wide-area mower to replace a 2017 model in disrepair. The John Deere 1600 Turbo TerrainCut mower will cost $70,394.94 and be paid for using the golf course’s self-funded account. Staff expect to sell the old mower on GovDeals for more than the offered $3,000 trade-in value.
Vaughn emphasized that keeping the Delaware Springs course financially healthy is key.
“Our goal is to ensure the golf course covers its own costs so that we don’t have to return to subsidizing it with taxpayer funds,” he said. “Every decision we make, whether it’s rates, discounts, or equipment purchases, follows that principle.”