The Dartmouth, Mass., property abruptly closed its doors on December 31, releasing a statement that the club was not “economically viable,” and the closure is based mostly on “a significant decline in golf interest and participation.” Owner Kevin Santos did not comment on whether he is planning to sell the property, which includes a clubhouse, banquet facility, and nine-hole golf course.

Hawthorne Country Club, a popular golf course and wedding destination in Dartmouth, Mass., closed its doors permanently on December 31, the New Bedford, Mass., Standard-Times reported.

“While the business has been successful in many respects, it has proven not to be economically viable,” said a news release issued by the club. The decision to close is based mainly on “a significant decline in golf interest and participation.”

Local resident and prominent businessman, club owner Kevin Santos said there are many options and a lot of interest in the property but said he could not comment on whether he is planning to sell, the Standard-Times reported.

“I really like the Hawthorne property. It’s a beautiful place,” Santos said. “It was a difficult decision but I have to accept the reality of the business.”

The business includes a clubhouse, banquet facility and nine-hole golf course with an expansive view of the Paskamansett Valley on 56 acres. It was assessed at $1.6 million in 2015, according to the Dartmouth assessor’s online database, the Standard-Times reported.

Several area banquet halls have already reported receiving calls from brides looking to reschedule weddings that were originally booked at Hawthorne. “I know our sales manager has met with some brides from that closing,” said Matthew Shaffer, marketing manager at White’s of Westport. “Hawthorne sent out letters to the brides.”

Clients have been notified and deposits returned, the club confirmed in its statement, the Standard-Times reported.

Karen Canastra, a manager at Century House in Acushnet, said she heard of the closure from people calling to reschedule their weddings, some of whom could not be accommodated because the dates were already taken. Others agreed to reschedule, she said. “It’s unfortunate that Hawthorne is closing. They are a business like us, so we feel for them,” she said.

The New Bedford Country Club also said it has been receiving calls from folks who had weddings and events booked at Hawthorne but had their deposits returned, the Standard-Times reported.

Santos purchased the property for $2.5 million at a bank auction in December 2011. He also owns the Waterfront Grille and National Club building in New Bedford, the Standard-Times reported.

Dartmouth resident and city fish processing facility owner Carlos Rafael was a close bidder at the Hawthorne auction, stopping at $2.4 million before Santos took the winning bid for about $100,000 more. Rafael said he has heard about the closure and may be interested if the property goes on the market. “If the price is right, I’ll be there,” he said.

The club, which has been in business for more than 45 years, previously closed in November 2011, when TD Bank foreclosed on the property after the estate of the late owner, William Schuler, failed to meet payments, the Standard-Times reported.