Owners of the par-3 Middleton (Mass.) Golf Course had hoped to stay open for two more seasons, but announced to members that the club would close at the end of March, after being sold to the town to be used for new municipal buildings. In Winter Garden, Fla., members of the homeowners association are now seeking to purchase Stoneybrook West Golf Club after its abrupt closing in December.
In a note sent to members on January 17, the Parker family, owners of Middleton (Mass.) Golf Course, said it would close the par-three facility on March 31, Patch.com reported. The 52-acre property is being sold to the town of Middleton, which plans to use it for new municipal buildings.
“Initially the plan was to be able to continue operating for two more seasons, but because of potential legal complications that have come to light as they go through the purchase and sale process with the Town, the owners have made the difficult decision to close sooner,” the note to members said. “It has been a great 50+ years. We will miss all our golfing friends and family!”
Those who purchased a 2019 discount membership will be mailed a refund check, Patch.com reported, and shop credits and gift cards will be honored during normal business hours through the closing date.
Following the abrupt closing of the Stoneybrook West Golf Club in Winter Garden, Fla. in December, the Winter Garden community’s homeowners association (HOA) is attempting to purchase the club and golf course from its owners, Stoneybrook West Golf Club LLC, the West Orange Times & Observer reported.
According to an update sent from the Stoneybrook West HOA to community residents on January 14, the HOA hosted an emergency meeting in December and sent a letter of intent to the golf-course owners expressing interest in exploring the possibility of purchasing the club, the Times & Observer reported.
However, the owners declined the letter because of interest in the property from professional golf course companies, the update stated.
Since then, HOA board members have held multiple meetings and calls with the owners, to request that the course continue to be maintained and allow the HOA to perform a comprehensive review of the property, the Times & Observer reported. They also requested to meet with potential buyers, and two board members reviewed the last three years of golf course financials under a non-disclosure agreement, the update stated.
Board members have also met with multiple golf-course management companies and investors and are gathering data on the costs to operate the club and its golf course and restaurant, the Times & Observer reported.
“In summary, the [Stoneybrook West] Board of Directors is continuing due diligence necessary, including working with potential buyers and gathering necessary information related to buying the course for the HOA,” the update stated.
The club, with an 18-hole, par-72 public Arthur Hills-designed golf course, opened in 2000, the Times & Observer reported. In 2017, the course ranked No. 18 on Golf Advisor’s list of Most Improved U.S. Golf Courses.
The Stoneybrook West community is a gated community with 1,450 homes, many built with views of the golf course.
According to Orange County property records, Stoneybrook West Golf Club LLC purchased the golf course for $2,399,400 in April 2010 from Kitson and Partners Orlando Golf LLC, the Times & Observer reported. The Orange County Property Appraiser reported the club’s 2018 market value as $2,745,620.
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