The course in International Falls, Minn. that sits along the Rainy River has not opened yet and community members and city officials say they are concerned. Efforts to track down answers from the owner, Jordan Pearson, have been unsuccessful. Last summer, the Rainy River basin saw immense flooding and the course was in its wake. Local golfers say two holes were shut down temporarily.

Golf season is in full swing, but the future of the only golf course in the city of International Falls, Minn. remains uncertain, FOX21 reported.

The course has not opened yet. Now, community members and city officials FOX21 they’re concerned. Numerous attempts to get answers from the owner have been unsuccessful.

Nestled along the Rainy River in International Falls sits the 18-hole River Golf Course, which has been used by longtime golfers, athletic teams, locals and more, FOX21 reported.

The course also used to hold events that help raise funds for a range of causes and programs, but this season, golfers are wondering if they’ll putt on home greens or have to play at the next nearest course across the Canadian border, FOX21 reported.

Last summer, the Rainy River basin saw immense flooding and the course was in its wake. A Facebook post by the golf course last June said portions of the course were drenched in rainfall and further stated, “with everything going on with the flood we have been struggling with business and we have decided to change our hours until further notice.”

Local golfers tell FOX21 two holes were shut down temporarily, but say the driving range remained closed.

This year, new signage has been posted stating, “no trespassing” and “privately owned,” FOX21 reported. The course has not opened yet and there is no word on if, or when, it will.

The course has been privately owned by Jordan Pearson since 2016, FOX21 reported. According to a commercial real estate listing site, the course was put back up for sale in 2018. It’s unclear how long it was up for sale. Pearson has declined several requests by FOX21 to be interviewed for this story. Supporters of the course told FOX21 Pearson has declined to say if the course is still for sale or not.

However, that didn’t stop a group of community members earlier this year from gathering funds and trying to put together a deal in hopes of buying the course, FOX21 reported.

One group member, who asked to stay anonymous, told FOX21 that he approached two members of the International Falls Economic Development Authority asking the organization to help with the buy. Development Authority Member Mike Holden confirmed to FOX21 that he and another member were asked to help with the purchase.

Holden, also an International Falls At-Large City Council member, said he and another Authority member went ahead and developed a loan plan, FOX21 reported. They were about to bring that plan to the rest of the Authority for approval, but then a purchase agreement between Pearson and the prospective buyers fell through.

Councilor Holden said he doesn’t know why the sale failed, but said that Pearson told him that without a sale the course would not operate, FOX21 reported.

Those who would normally golf on the course have now made other plan, including the Broncos Golf Team, FOX21 reported. While attending meets, the team spent the majority of their season hitting golf balls behind the high school for practice. According to Athletic Director Bill Mason, they reached an agreement mid-season across the border in Canada to hold practices at the Herron Landing Golf Course in Fort Frances, Ontario.