Calgarians used to visiting Richmond Green golf course will only have this season to use the facility before it closes later in the fall.
This comes after city council decided to close the city-owned golf course due to its poor attendance and financial problems.
The proposal to close the southwest Calgary site was approved by council members at a June meeting, despite concerns from Mayor Naheed Nenshi that shutting the facility might be “too hasty.” The mayor had suggested the site could be kept open for another year, until city staff have completed a full review of all city-owned golf courses.
“Richmond Green loses a minimum of $150,000 a year,” said Sutherland.
Golfers gather around the first tee at Richmond Green. The 2019 season will be Richmond Green’s last. Photo: Peter Brand
Poor attendance makes Richmond Green Calgary’s least played course, and with significant issues with underground infrastructure, the course is too challenging to be redeveloped into anything other than a green space or driving range.
During council debate, Coun. Diane Colley-Urquhart suggested the site could be turned into a Top Golf driving range. However, the future of the site remains in limbo until administration finishes its study of the city’s six courses.
Sutherland said the timing of the closure makes sense now because “council needs to think of long term sustainability of golf in Calgary.”
The closure is expected to push business to the neighbouring courses of Lakeview and Shaganappi Point. Attendance at Lakeview is also lagging, while Shaganappi is one of the only city courses that turns a profit.