When the Bixby, Okla. course closed in 2019, a developer announced plans to build homes on the property. Now the city is looking to acquire 70 acres of the land, which would be maintained as open green space, parks, and recreation and/or a short golf course, says Bixby City Council member Brad Girad.
White Hawk Golf Course in Bixby, Okla. closed in 2019. C+RB reported at the time that new homes were planned for the golf course, which had been the centerpiece of the White Hawk Estate development. American Golf had operated the course for 20 years until Roger Rodich bought it in 2018. But losses of $273,000 in his first year of ownership and rounds that fell well short of break-even projections forced the decision to close, Rodich said.
Neighbors want it to remain a golf course, but developers have purchased the land, KTUL reported. Now city councilors are looking to acquire 70 acres of the land.
According to the HOA, 60 percent of the homeowners association would have to agree to allow the developers to be excused of a “Deed of Dedication,” which states the land must be used as a golf course or recreation area, KTUL reported. Some of the homeowners see the city acquiring some of the property as a step in the right direction.
The city councilor over the area shared what the goals would be if it was acquired, KTUL reported.
“If we cannot secure appropriate financing then it’s moot,” said Brad Girad, Bixby City Council member. “But if we did purchase something like that it would definitely be maintained as open green space, parks, and recreation and/or a short golf course.”
The councilors went into executive session for almost two hours before allowing public comment, KTUL reported. Finally, the council said it would be interested in acquiring the land but has no plans to develop the 70 acres, and that buying the entire course isn’t an option for the city.
“I support the City’s consideration to acquire that property that butts up to our neighborhood,” said Christie Rooney, the Celebrity Country HOA vice president.
The idea of maintaining a smaller course was pitched tonight, but no final decisions were made, KTUL reported.
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