George Kelley, the club’s owner, is citing the state’s drought as well as a downturn in rounds as reasons for the closure. Kelley plans to focus on his family’s almond business instead.
Water Shortage Threatens California Courses
Golf course properties in the Modesto, Calif., area are preparing for decreased water availability as the Sierra snowpack, the source for about a third of the state’s water supply each spring, is at its lowest level since record-keeping began in 1960. Some courses have embraced the circumstance, with Stevinson Ranch Golf Club owner George Kelley telling his superintendents that “brown is beautiful. The grass is not going to die, it’s going to dry out and the course will play firm.”
Stevinson (Calif.) Ranch GC Fire Causes $1M in Damage
On July 25, the Cal Fire Battalion battled the clubhouse blaze for seven hours, with flames concentrated in the kitchen, where it likely originated, and pro shop. The club will use portable trailers temporarily as the building undergoes repairs, as the fire destroyed much of the inventory as well as the building’s structure.
Stevinson Ranch GC Opens State of the Art Golf Academy and Leaning Center
Nearing completion, the Learning Center and Golf Academy will be the heart of the club’s practice facility.