Ava Romero
Golf courses closing down has become a common phenomenon, with over 100 annual closures since the 2006 Great Recession. While the National Golf Foundation noted in 2023 that this trend might be ending, golf courses continue to face the threat of redevelopment, financial struggles, and natural disasters. Golfers are often left disappointed, having to find alternatives when their local courses close. This has led to a rise in indoor golfing activities and the exploration of new courses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf course closures since 2006 | 2,200 18-hole equivalent courses |
| Percentage of world's supply | 13% |
| Golf course closures in 2022 | 105 18-hole courses |
| Percentage decrease from peak in 2019 | 62% |
| Golf course closures in 2023 | Several |
| Reasons for closure | Redevelopment, financial struggles, drought, government budget shortfalls, aging infrastructure, low participation |
| Courses closed in 2023 | Maplecrest Country Club, Nueva Vista Golf Club, ASU Karsten, Riddell's Bay Golf and C.C., Empire Lakes G.C., Thornapple Creek Golf Club, Weatherwax Golf Course, Silverstone Golf Club, Ocean Links Course |
| Courses with closure announced | Evergreen Point, a 27-hole course in Grand Cypress Golf Resort Orlando, George Fazio Course at Turtle Bay Resort |
| Courses facing issues | Shenandoah Valley |
| Courses closed indefinitely | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
- Golf courses close due to redevelopment, drought, and financial struggles
- Golfers can practice at driving ranges or pitch-and-putt courses when their local course is closed
- Golfers can also take lessons, practice at home, or play crazy golf
- Golf course closures can be permanent or seasonal
- Golf courses close in the UK during winter due to snow and ice
Golf courses close due to redevelopment, drought, and financial struggles
Golf courses are dynamic entities, and despite the sport's surging popularity, courses continue to close for a variety of reasons. Some of the main factors leading to golf course closures include redevelopment, drought, and financial struggles.
Redevelopment
Redevelopment is a significant factor in the closure of golf courses. For example, the Cherry Hills course closed after being sold for redevelopment, with the new owners possibly investing in revamping the physical layout. Similarly, the nine-hole Weddington course in Southern California closed to make way for a new athletic complex for a school.
Drought
Drought conditions have also led to the closure of several golf courses, particularly in California. The ongoing drought has pushed many facilities out of business due to high water costs, increased competition, and reduced participation. Notable closures due to the drought include the Robinson Ranch Golf Club's Mountain Course, the Shadow Course at Lost Canyons, and the Sky Course at Lost Canyons Golf Club.
Financial Struggles
Financial struggles are another common reason for golf course closures. For instance, Madison's four city-owned golf courses in Wisconsin faced significant financial losses in consecutive years, leading to considerations of partial or total closure. However, a recent spike in interest and rounds played has helped improve their finances. Golf courses need to constantly reinvest in their facilities and focus on customer service to sustain demand and remain profitable.
Golf courses are subject to the same market forces as any other business, and closures can occur due to rising business and employee costs, unideal locations, or a lack of passion from owners. Even well-loved courses can close due to financial struggles, just as popular restaurants may shut down.
While golf courses close for various reasons, the sport's popularity is on the rise, and the number of course closures seems to be decreasing.
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Golfers can practice at driving ranges or pitch-and-putt courses when their local course is closed
Golf courses may close due to unfavourable weather conditions, redevelopment, or financial struggles. When a local golf course is closed, golfers can maintain and improve their skills by visiting driving ranges or practising at pitch-and-putt courses.
Driving ranges offer the perfect setting to work on your swing and experiment with different types of shots. It can be challenging to work on your swing on a busy golf course, but the range provides an ideal environment for trying new techniques without pressure.
Pitch-and-putt courses are another excellent option when your local golf course is closed. These shorter courses allow golfers to dial in their wedges and provide an opportunity to socialise and enjoy a more casual variant of the game. Most pitch-and-putt courses remain open during the winter, ensuring golfers can continue playing and refining their skills even when their primary course is inaccessible.
Golfers can also take advantage of reciprocal rights, where many golf clubs offer courtesy games at other local clubs when a course is closed. Playing at a new course can be an enjoyable change of pace and a great way to challenge yourself in a different environment.
Additionally, golfers can use the closure of their local course as an opportunity to seek professional guidance. They can book lessons with PGA Pros to iron out any flaws in their swing or short game techniques, ensuring they return to the course with improved skills.
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Golfers can also take lessons, practice at home, or play crazy golf
Golfing is a sport that doesn't always require a large, open space. While golfing may be closed in the sense that you cannot always access a golf course, there are still many ways to practice and enjoy the sport. Golfers can take lessons, practice at home, or play miniature golf, also known as crazy golf.
Miniature golf, or crazy golf, is a great way to practice your putting skills in a more relaxed setting. It focuses solely on the putting aspect of golf and is played on a smaller course with artificial putting surfaces, such as carpet, artificial turf, or concrete. The game typically involves a geometric layout that requires non-traditional putting lines and may include artificial obstacles like tunnels, ramps, and moving windmills. It's a fun and accessible way to improve your putting technique.
Practicing golf at home is another option for golfers. While space may be a challenge for some, there are creative ways to practice your swing and refine your skills. For those with limited space, training tools like Izzo True-Spin Practice Balls allow you to take full swings without worrying about breaking anything or disturbing your neighbours. You can also try drills like the "straight back and straight through" method, which uses an alignment stick to help improve your putting accuracy. Building a backyard putting green is another great way to practice your putting at home.
If you're looking to improve your short game, chipping nets are an excellent solution. They help you improve your ability to hit your landing spot, which is crucial for becoming a better chipper, according to Master Leadbetter Instructor Robin Symes. Additionally, you can try a simple drill at home by placing a quarter one fist's length behind a golf ball and swinging without hitting the quarter. This drill trains you to make proper contact and hit down on the ball effectively.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, there are always opportunities to develop your skills and have fun. Golf lessons, home practices, and crazy golf courses offer diverse ways to engage with the sport and enhance your golfing experience, even when you don't have access to a full-size course.
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Golf course closures can be permanent or seasonal
Golf courses may close temporarily or permanently due to various reasons, including redevelopment, financial difficulties, natural disasters, or seasonal weather conditions.
Redevelopment is a common reason for permanent golf course closures. For example, the Maplecrest Country Club, which was close to celebrating its 100th anniversary, was sold to a housing developer, and the Evergreen Point course in Baytown, Texas, was closed for resort expansion. In some cases, golf courses are also closed to make way for other recreational facilities, such as soccer stadiums or retail areas.
Financial difficulties, especially in lower-end public courses located in remote areas or oversaturated markets, can also lead to permanent golf course closures. The Nueva Vista Golf Club, for instance, closed down when the owner retired, and no one bought the course.
Natural disasters or extreme weather conditions can also cause temporary or permanent golf course closures. California's drought has led to the closure of many golf facilities in the state, including the Roddy Ranch Golf Club in Antioch. Similarly, seasonal weather conditions, such as rain, fog, snow, or ice, can lead to temporary golf course closures during winter in certain regions, such as the UK.
While some golf courses close permanently, others may only shut down temporarily for renovations or due to seasonal changes. For instance, the George Fazio Course at Turtle Bay Resort closed during the pandemic but is expected to reopen. Additionally, most pitch and putt courses remain open during the winter, providing golfers with an opportunity to continue playing even in colder months.
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Golf courses close in the UK during winter due to snow and ice
Golf courses in the UK may close during winter due to snow and ice, but this is not always the case. The decision to close a golf course during winter depends on various factors, including the severity of the weather, the type of course, and the amount of snowfall.
Public golf courses in the UK often remain open year-round, welcoming golfers who are willing to brave the cold and frosty conditions. These courses are like rugged, all-weather friends of the golf world, providing an outlet for avid golfers to scratch their golfing itch regardless of the weather. On the other hand, private golf clubs tend to close their doors during winter, viewing this season as a time for the course to recover and rejuvenate.
When snow covers a golf course, it may appear quiet, but behind the scenes, there is a lot of work happening to prepare for the next season. Greenkeepers work tirelessly to ensure that the courses are in presentable conditions, even in winter. They address issues such as flooded greens, water accumulation at low points, and standing water on fairways, which can render a course unplayable.
Snow and ice can also cause damage to the greens and turf. Continuous ice cover can lead to turf loss due to a lack of oxygen, requiring ice-breaking interventions. While snow insulates the turf from extreme temperatures and desiccating winds, it sometimes needs to be removed from the greens to hasten melting and prevent refreezing. Northern golf courses often have snow removal responsibilities, and they keep staff on call to clear snow during winter weather events.
The unpredictable nature of winter weather can make it challenging to plan a round of golf. Golfers must monitor the forecast, call ahead to confirm course openings, and prepare for cold temperatures by packing extra layers. While some golfers embrace the challenge of winter golf, others opt for indoor golf simulators or wait patiently for sunnier days to return to the fairways.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf courses are facing a variety of challenges, including the impact of the Great Recession, redevelopment pressures, financial struggles, natural disasters, and low participation.
Golf enthusiasts can consider visiting a driving range to work on their swing, trying out crazy golf for a casual experience, or taking advantage of reciprocal rights at other local golf clubs.
Yes, several notable golf courses have closed in recent years, including the ASU Karsten course in Tempe, the Ocean Links Course at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort, and the Maplecrest Country Club.
Golf course closures can disrupt the growth of the sport, affect local communities, and result in the loss of historical or beloved golfing venues. It also provides an opportunity for the redevelopment of land for other purposes, such as housing or stadiums.
