Sinkholes Force Club to Close

Evergreen Golf

After nearly 60 years of operation, Evergreen Golf in East Hempfield Township, Pa., will close its doors on April 30 due to extensive and ongoing sinkhole damage. The family-owned facility has announced the closure of its executive, pitch-and-putt, and footgolf courses.

The decision to close was shared publicly by the Longenecker family, who have owned and operated the course for decades. Despite repeated repair efforts, the unpredictable and worsening sinkhole issues have made continued operations unsustainable for the small business.

Legal guidance has limited the family’s ability to comment on the cause of the sinkholes, but the problems have reportedly persisted and intensified in recent years. The cost and effort required to continually fill and repair the affected areas have proven too burdensome.

The family is hoping to sell the property to a buyer interested in addressing the underlying issues and continuing to operate the site as a golf course. There are currently no plans for residential development on the agriculturally zoned land.

Evergreen Golf opened its pitch-and-putt course in 1966, followed by its executive course in 1969.

In its final month, Evergreen is offering several farewell promotions, including buy-one-get-one-free greens fees on Mondays and complimentary golf tees with Friday rounds.

Cedar Ridge Golf Club

Evergreen Golf is not the only area course closing. After 39 years of operation, Cedar Ridge Golf Club in Mount Joy Township, Pa., has officially closed its doors. The final round of golf has been played at the popular course just outside Gettysburg.

While the specific reasons behind the closure have not been publicly disclosed, the course had long been a favorite among local golfers. According to its website, the par-72 layout featured four sets of tees and stretched over 6,000 yards from the tips. Designed to accommodate all skill levels, the course was known for its tree-lined fairways, water features, and undulating greens that offered a fun yet challenging experience.

As part of the closure process, Cedar Ridge will host an equipment auction on April 24. The on-site portion of the auction will begin at 9 a.m., with online bidding starting at noon. Items up for auction include tractors, mowers, golf carts, utility vehicles, restaurant equipment, tools, and more.