As the treasurer of a Chartered club that hosts 4-6 contests a year on a field that we have to pay a lease on, I can vouch for the fact that we had to raise the fees for our contests.

Last year we retained the 2005 fees for contests, and we barely made it through the year with a posiive balance. Just the cost of fuel to keep our mowing machines running has gotten ridiculous. And if we tried to hold a contest without mowing, I doubt that the feedback would be positive.

I lived in Las Vegas for many years. The cost in the 80's for 18 holes of Golf was in the range of $25.00 at most courses. Try to find a round now for less than $250. It wont happen. It's a shame that this is so, but such is life. Clubs need income to stay in business, and dues alone won't cover it all.

This hobby like any other is feeling the pinch of inflation, and if we want to continue to pursue it, we have bite the bullet and plan on paying more to keep it going.

Just my humble opinion.