A new rate structure at the city’s Eagle Bend Golf Course means higher prices for some players, but it’s a reasonable approach to shoring up the course’s financial picture.

After learning that the course had finished 2015 with expenses about $24,000 above its income, Lawrence Parks and Recreation has instituted a new fee system at the course. The biggest change is the elimination of 12-month passes that allowed unlimited rounds at any time, including popular weekend tee times. The result was that pass holders were paying as little as $8 per round for prime-time slots that would normally cost more than $40. The course now will offer multiple-round tickets at a discounted cost but also will charge different rates based on the day of the week.

The changes no doubt will make some people unhappy, but they seem fair. Eagle Bend still is an affordable course compared to many others, and the city shouldn’t be expected to continue to operate the course at a loss.