Green fees at London's public golf courses saw a minimal increase this year, despite looming labour costs due to the province's minimum wage hike.

Less than favourable weather conditions led to a slow start to the London golf season, which offset some labour costs, but all City courses are now open and tee times are filling up.

"April was not a very good month for us," said London's golf manager Steve Bennett.

"Now that we've got sunshine, there are a lot of people out golfing and enjoying the City of London golf course system."

The City employs over 100 people to run their three golf course locations; the Fanshawe Golf Course, Thames Valley Golf Course and River Road Golf Course.

Golfers make their way down the fairway at Thames Valley Golf Course in London, Ont. on May 1st, 2018. (Travis Dolynny/CBC)

Around 70 casual employees provide service for the pro shops, rentals, carts and restaurants. There are also 25 seasonal employees who make up the grounds crews. Many of those employees earn minimum wage and will see an increase due to the Liberal government's minimum wage increase from $11.60 to $14 an hour.

"Going forward, we're still going to provide a full service, but we may look at services like the kitchen and adjust some hours there," said Bennett.

"We hope that we can maintain our current model, serve our golfers, and still come out prosperous."

Sandy, a golfer who just stepped off the course at Thames Valley Tuesday afternoon, told CBC News that she supports the wage increase.

"You may actually get more people participating because some of those people may now get to play a game of golf once every couple of weeks as opposed to not being able to play in the past," she said.

Going forward, we're still going to provide a full service, but we may look at services like the kitchen and adjust some hours there, - Steve Bennett

Green fees for adult guests vary from $20 to $46 depending on the course and time of day. While rates for junior guests saw no change over last year, adult fees increased by around $2.

"We basically have raised some rates at our golf courses just to maintain status quo," said Bennett.

The City of London's annual budget includes about $3.6-million to operate the city's public courses, including $1.7-million for personnel costs. There are three full-time staff members who work for the public courses.

Bennett says the courses have turned a profit for the city for the last six seasons.

London's golf system includes a total of 90 holes of golf, men's and women's weekly leagues, professional lessons, licensed clubhouses and tournaments.