The owners of the 60-year-old Fresno, Calif. club sent a letter to members and “friends of the club” announcing the closing due to “decline of interest in the game, an increase in facilities in the area and ever-increasing operational costs.” The future of the property was unclear.
After operating for 60 years, the owners of Fig Garden Golf Club in Fresno, Calif. announced they’ll be closing the facility at the end of 2018, YourCentralValley.com reported.
David Knott and his father, Gordon Knott, sent a letter to members and “friends of the golf club” letting them know of the closure, YourCentralValley.com reported.
“My decision to close has been very sad and difficult but due to the decline of interest in the game over the last few years, increase in facilities in the area and ever increasing operational costs,” Knott wrote in the letter. “I have not been able to keep up with facility and equipment upgrades necessary to provide the quality that you continue to expect and provide the tools necessary for our staff to perform at their best.”
The owners have not said what will happen to golf club, YourCentralValley.com reported.
The club’s website shows that the club sold memberships with $750 initiation fees that were transferable, but not refundable. The club also operated a Traditions Golf Shop selling “equipment, clothing and accessories.” Bill Reitz is listed as the shop and club’s General Manager.
As news of the pending closing spread, YourValleyCentral.com reported, many golfers made it a point to play a round at Fig Garden GC over Thanksgiving weekend.
The news of the closure was a surprise for many members, YourCentralValley.com reported. “It’d be nice to keep it open because we have lost public golf courses here in Fresno. It’d be nice to keep open a public golf course,” said one golfer, Gregory Horton.
A video report on the club can be viewed at https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/local-news/fresno-golfers-say-goodbye-to-fig-garden-golf-club/1613420382