Nina Caldwell
Turkey Creek Golf Club in Alachua City, Florida, reopened in 2021 after almost a decade of abandonment. The golf club, which first opened in 1978, was revived by a group of volunteers and is now a public 18-hole course with new greens, tilled sand traps, and an irrigation system. The reopening was marked by a scramble and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with socially distanced attendees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reopening date | 23rd of January, 2021 |
| Location | Lincoln, California |
| Number of holes | 18 |
| Course length | 6,700 yards |
| Water holes | 6 |
| Bunkers | Multiple |
| Green fees | $14 (every Wednesday throughout the 2025 season), $23 (weekdays for 59 and under), $22 (weekdays for 60 and older), $28 (weekends), $29 (weekdays after 3 pm), $33 (weekends) |
| Cart fees | $17 (half a cart) |
| Dress code | Collared shirts for men, appropriate golf attire for women |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey Creek Golf Club reopens after a decade
After a decade of abandonment, Turkey Creek Golf Club in Alachua, Florida, has reopened its doors. The club first opened in 1978, designed by architect Ward Northrup, who was commissioned by Gainesville city council member Norwood Hope. The course spans 1,100 acres, 20 minutes north of Gainesville, where suburbia blends into the wetlands and timber of San Felasco State Park.
However, in 2011, the golf club was forced to close due to a stagnant economy and poor attendance. What was once a vibrant private club became an abandoned wasteland, with a $300,000 deficit and an inoperable irrigation system. The course fell into disrepair, with tall weeds overtaking the fairways and greens.
But the story of Turkey Creek Golf Club didn't end there. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of a group of volunteers, the club has been revived. The Turkey Creek Master Owners Association obtained a $1.35 million loan to purchase the land and course, and they began the long journey towards restoration. Over 500 sprinkler head holes were dug by hand, and a new irrigation system was installed, bringing much-needed water back to the course.
The reopening of the club was a community effort, with residents pitching in where they could. In exchange for borrowing a fairway mower from Santa Fe High School, the school's golf team was offered free play. The reopening of the practice facility in 2019 gave residents a gathering spot and a taste of what was to come.
Today, Turkey Creek Golf Club is thriving once again. It boasts 18 holes, a driving range, and well-maintained fairways and greens. The club offers a unique golf experience, with an old granite quarry turned lake and stunning scenic vistas. It is a testament to the power of community and the dedication of those who refused to let this golf course remain a barren wasteland.
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Volunteers revived the course
Volunteers revived Turkey Creek Golf Club, a 1,100-acre golf development 20 minutes north of Gainesville, Florida, after it closed in 2011 due to a stagnant economy and poor attendance. The course, which first opened in 1978, was an extension of the community and a source of local pride.
The Turkey Creek Master Owners Association obtained a $1.35 million loan to buy the land and the course, but reopening the club came with many challenges. The most significant hurdle was the inoperable irrigation system, which would cost $3 million to replace. Determined to save money, the club's board members decided to do much of the work themselves. Over 500 sprinkler head holes were dug by hand over a year.
The board then began searching for additional funding to complete the course's revival. They exchanged the use of a fairway mower and other equipment from Santa Fe High School for free playtime for the school's golf team. The reopening of the course not only raised property values in the community but also brought additional business to the area.
By the end of 2019, Turkey Creek reopened the practice facility, which included a long-drive charity contest, giving residents a much-needed hang-out spot. Soon after, the 10th, 17th, and 18th holes were transformed into a new three-hole routing, giving locals a taste of the miracle that was unfolding. The course's revival was a true community effort, with volunteers from all walks of life pitching in to make it a reality.
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The course's history and design
The Turkey Creek Golf Club in Alachua, Florida, first opened in 1978. It was the vision of Gainesville city council member and World War II and Korean War veteran Norwood Hope, who enlisted architect Ward Northrup to design a championship-caliber layout that was also inviting to the community. The course spans 1,100 acres of land 20 minutes north of Gainesville, where suburbia blends into the wetlands and timber of San Felasco State Park.
When it first opened, Turkey Creek weighed in at 6,700 yards, with water on six holes and bunkers surrounding many of the greens, demanding accuracy from players. The greens were large, fast, and well-maintained. The course was a favourite of former University of Florida football coach and avid golfer Steve Spurrier.
In 2011, the club closed due to a stagnant economy and low attendance, and for a decade, the golf course lay abandoned. Locals viewed the pasture as a tombstone for the golf course beneath it, a broken promise of an oasis in the community. However, in 2021, a group of volunteers revived the course. The Turkey Creek Master Owners Association obtained a $1.35 million loan to purchase the land and course, and the club officially reopened to the public with an 18-hole course, fresh greens, new sand traps, and an updated irrigation system.
The reopening was not without its challenges. One of the most significant roadblocks was the inoperable irrigation system, which was essential for any golf course. The new owners decided to save money by digging over 500 sprinkler head holes by hand, a process that took over a year. They also faced challenges with equipment and funding. Despite these obstacles, the course was successfully reopened, raising property values in the community and bringing additional business to the area.
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The role of the community
The Turkey Creek Golf Club in Alachua City, Florida, closed its doors in 2011 due to a stagnant economy and poor attendance. The once-thriving private club became an abandoned golf course, a source of disappointment for the community that viewed it as a broken promise and a wound that refused to heal. However, the story of Turkey Creek took a turn for the better, thanks to the unwavering dedication and community spirit of its residents.
A group of volunteers, led by Forest Hope, whose father had built the course, stepped up to revive the course. They understood the significance of Turkey Creek as more than just a golf course; it was an integral part of the community's homes and a source of local pride. These volunteers, some of whom weren't even golfers themselves, dedicated their time and efforts to bring Turkey Creek back to life. They tackled the challenges head-on, including the daunting task of repairing the inoperable irrigation system, which was a major roadblock in the reopening process.
The volunteers worked tirelessly, even digging over 500 sprinkler head holes by hand, showcasing their determination and commitment to the cause. Their efforts were not just about restoring a golf course but about giving the community a hang-out spot and a sense of unity. The reopening of Turkey Creek became a symbol of the community's resilience and their ability to turn a broken promise into a source of hope and revival.
The support and involvement of the community were instrumental in overcoming financial hurdles. The Turkey Creek Master Owners Association obtained a loan to purchase the land and course, and the club board members, Dave Kratzer and Loretta Shane, contributed significantly through their cost-saving measures and fundraising initiatives. The community's enthusiasm and belief in the project kept the dream alive, even when faced with substantial challenges.
The reopening of Turkey Creek Golf Club is a testament to the power of community involvement and the difference it can make. It is a reflection of the dedication and perseverance of the people who refused to let their beloved golf course remain a barren wasteland. The volunteers' gratification came not just from the game of golf but from the impact they had on their neighbours and the community as a whole. This transformation is a true "miracle at Turkey Creek", showcasing the essential role the community played in bringing this beloved golf course back to life.
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Future plans and expectations
The future looks bright for Turkey Creek Golf Club, which reopened its doors in January 2021 after a ten-year hiatus. The club's revival is a testament to the dedication and community spirit of the volunteers and new ownership, who overcame numerous challenges, including an inoperable irrigation system and tall weeds, to bring the course back to life.
The reopening of the practice facility in 2019 was a significant milestone, providing residents with a much-needed gathering spot and jump-starting the club's revenue stream. The following year, the Turkey Creek Master Owners Association secured a loan to purchase the land and course, paving the way for the full reopening.
Today, the 1,100-acre golf development boasts 18 holes, a driving range, and stunning scenery, including a former granite quarry turned lake. The course is known for its big, fast, and true greens, as well as its challenging layout, with water hazards and bunkers strategically placed.
Looking ahead, the club plans to enhance the conditions and service standards through expert landscape management and exceptional client experiences. With a focus on community and accessibility, Turkey Creek Golf Club aims to be more than just a place to play golf but an extension of people's homes and a reflection of the local community.
The club also intends to leverage its scenic beauty and facilities to cater to a diverse range of events, including dining, corporate entertaining, golf outings, and private parties. With its rich history and dedicated community, Turkey Creek Golf Club is well-positioned to become a leading golf destination in the region, offering an unrivalled golf experience to enthusiasts and locals alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Turkey Creek Golf Club reopened in 2021 after being closed for almost a decade.
Turkey Creek Golf Club closed in 2011 due to a stagnant economy and poor attendance.
The team faced several roadblocks, the most significant being the inoperable irrigation system, which they overcame by doing much of the work themselves and obtaining additional funding.
A group of volunteers, including Forest Hope, Zach Young, and board members Dave Kratzer and Loretta Shane, were instrumental in reviving the course.
Turkey Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole course with well-maintained bluegrass fairways, bentgrass greens, and a 300-yard driving range. It offers stunning views and a laid-back atmosphere.
