The 27-hole Spencer T. Olin golf course in Alton, Ill. was shut down after a mine collapse caused a nearly 200-foot-wide sinkhole in nearby ballfields, leading to the closure of the main road to the course. The course operator is incurring maintenance costs of $100,000 monthly without any financial assistance from the city.

The operator of a city-owned golf course in Alton, Ill. closed due to a mine collapse, is incurring maintenance costs of $100,000 monthly without any financial assistance from the city. The 27-hole Spencer T. Olin golf course was shut down after the collapse caused a nearly 200-foot-wide sinkhole in nearby ballfields, leading to the closure of the main road to the course.

Despite the closure, daily upkeep like lawn mowing must continue, according to course operator Vern Van Hoy. The financial losses are substantial, and Van Hoy is unsure how long he can sustain the operations without city support. Alton City Council Coordinator Bianca Jackson mentioned they are still working through the issues.

The sinkhole was first detected by New Frontier Materials, the company mining limestone beneath the ball fields, early in the morning on June 26. By mid-morning, city security cameras captured the dramatic collapse, which caused significant disruption. Summer camps were canceled, sports leagues were relocated, and mining operations were halted, affecting at least 10 employees.

Although the sinkhole is about 900 feet from the closest fairway and there is no indication of collapse under the golf course, a federal Mine Safety and Health Administration investigation is ongoing. This has led to drilling under a portion of Hole 10, causing further concerns.

The closure has forced Van Hoy to lay off 30 workers, mainly from the restaurant and pro shop. Despite this, he is bound by a 30-year lease agreement with the city to maintain the course, which requires daily mowing of the greens and frequent mowing of the tees and fairways. This means keeping 14 workers employed for maintenance purposes.

If maintenance stops, the course could deteriorate, costing $100,000 per green and taking a year to restore. The course, which operates year-round, attracts around 240 players daily in peak summer months.

The lease obligates the city to maintain access roadways for safe and unimpeded access to the golf course. Van Hoy has no plans to break the lease but seeks clarity and support from the city and New Frontier Materials. Neither the federal agency nor New Frontier has provided a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion. Even after clearance to reopen, Van Hoy is concerned about whether players, especially those with children, will return.

The course serves as a learning center for local high school golf teams, adding to the community impact.

In May 2023, Club + Resort Business reported on a massive sinkhole forming at Fox Hollow Golf Club in American Fork, Utah.