Golf courses across the Western Slope are taking advantage of a warm climate that has been giving many of them year-round business since last winter.

"In the spring, the weather was amazing so we got a good jump start on the rounds," Mike Mendelson, City of Grand Junction Head Golf Pro, said. He says year-to-date numbers are up significantly at both Grand Junction municipal courses.

"It's a destination for us and we really appreciate the quality of courses down here," Todd Gullette, a golfer in from Boulder explained.

His friend Kyle Tangler added this: "I took a few vacation days and absolutely came out here."

The pair from the Front Range enjoys the views and the course maintenance of the Tiara Rado golf course in front of the Colorado National Monument. City staff also points out Lincoln Park's convenience helps draw golfers from all over.

But the one thing that could be responsible for bringing more people out this summer, according to Mendelson, is cost-savings. "We have lower green fees than last year and we've also started this 'Golfer's Dozen' punch card where you get a free round of golf after buying any combination of 12 from us."

"Customers seem to be responding very well to that."

Still though, some golfers in the area are complaining about how high they say the prices are in town.

"I've lived in many different areas of the western U.S. in my life and now in my twilight years have settled here in the Grand Valley," Dennis McGuire writes. "Why has the City decided to jack the rates at Tiara Rado golf course to the second highest on the Western Slope?"

Course staff says it's all about supply and demand. "It's not easy to get a tee time at Tiara Rado," Mendelson said. "And, our fees are a little more pricey compared to Lincoln Park because we have nine more holes to maintain, we've got more staff, and we still have to pay the bills."

Mendelson went on to add that Tiara Rado's price, in his opinion, is in line with other green fees at municipal courses withing about a 45 minute drive.

Within a 60 mile area, there are at least six municipal courses offering different weekend rates. At Lincoln Park, it costs $38 for 18 holes and a golf cart while it will put you back $52.25 at Tiara Rado.

In Delta, it is a $56 fee to golf at the Deer Creek Village course in Cedaredge while $49 buys you the round and cart at Devil's Thumb.

At Montrose's Black Canyon Golf Club, it's $42 for the same thing. And in Moab, you'll pay $44 for 18 holes and a golf cart at the city-owned course there.

"I believe we're very competitive. Our prices are pretty close to what the market bears," Mendelson said. "Around here, you have to drive at least 30 to 45 minutes to play another municipal course."

While some see the prices as high for this area, others call them bargains for the kinds of courses offering such different amenities.

"The courses that we have in the Denver area, they can't compare to these," Gullette said. "It's worth the gas and everything to get down here."

"I wish I could play this caliber of course for the money I spend every Friday," Tangler added.

If you are looking for more savings on the links, most courses offer lower rates during the week or during twilight hours. There are some that even offer discounts during the hottest time of the day.