Clubs in California, Indiana and Florida announced closures, as the latest indications of how some properties continue to struggle with lack of golf play and environmental issues. A Native American preservation area and new junior high school will occupy land at two of the courses, while the fate of a third is a mystery.
As 2019 kicked off, a trio of clubs—in California, Indiana and Florida—announced plans to close their doors.
The 50-year-old Mountain View Golf Course outside of Santa Paula, Calif., closed at sunset January 2 with plans for the 60-plus acre site to be converted into a Chumash learning center and preservation area, the Ventura County Star reported.
Officials confirmed the closing on January 2nd as golfers were taking their final hacks at a course known for its low rates, tree-lined fairways, cheeseburgers and a 13th green shaped like a heart, The Star reported. General Manager Dan Hodapp said the purchase by the Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation was finalized in December.
The closure was pushed by two issues, Hodapp told The Star: lack of golfers and lack of water. The Santa Clara River has dried up four years in a row, meaning course officials could no longer water fairways.
“It’s sad,” said Hodapp of a course where golfers knew they could play 18 holes for as little as $14. “They’ve had a little piece of heaven here.”
Coincidently, Crystal River (Fla.) Golf Club has also closed after 50 years in existence, the Citrus County Chronicle reported
The exact details of the closing and what will happen next for the property is not known. The Chronicle reported that Crystal River’s course administrator could not be reached for comment on the last day of 2018, and that the place was locked and empty of cars that morning.
A post on the Crystal River Golf Club and Rumors Bar & Bistro Facebook page on December 29 said the rumors are true, the Chronicle reported. “We will be closing our doors one last time for the final time tonight at the close of business,” the post read.
Two other sources independently confirmed the closing of the course, also known to locals by its previous name of Seven Rivers Golf & Country Club, the Chronicle reported.
Marlin Emswiler, whose house borders the course, attributed the closing to recent flooding, the Chronicle reported. Except for a six-week period, the course has been closed since July. And when it was open, it was only nine holes.
The heart of the country also hasn’t been immune to closings, as Eagle Valley Golf Course in Evansville, Ind., announced on New Year’s Day that it had closed for good.
Since 1994, the Brinker family has owned the property, but it will soon belong to the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC), WFIE 14 News reported.
Superintendent Dr. David Smith said the EVSC had plans to develop a new junior high school to accommodate the growing north side, though there is no word on when an announcement will be made.
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