• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • 2025
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

Click to join our weekly e-newsletter

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices
    • Browse Notices
    • Place Notices

Dwindling ranks of golfers handicap golf courses

September 4, 2014 By Michael Hinman

Golf courses are in trouble, and Florida — which boasts more golf courses than any other state in the nation — could be hit the hardest.

The latest to experience trouble is Scotland Yards Golf Club on U.S. 301 in Dade City. The bank that holds the mortgage on the course, First National Bank of Pasco, started foreclosure proceedings against the 100-acre course last month. However, course owner David Rinaldo says those problems look worse than they actually are.

Golf courses are a favorite pastime of many older players, but have not really attracted the younger generation. For golfers like Richard Buddy of Wesley Chapel, it might be harder to find golf courses in the future. (Courtesy of Ron Ludwin)
Golf courses are a favorite pastime of many older players, but have not really attracted the younger generation. For golfers like Richard Buddy of Wesley Chapel, it might be harder to find golf courses in the future.
(Courtesy of Ron Ludwin)

“The course has financial issues like every golf course in America,” Rinaldo told The Laker/Lutz News in an email. “But it is not shutting down.”

Golf courses are suffering financially in different parts of the country, especially Florida, as interest in the sport wanes from its peak over the last few decades. Last year, 160 golf courses shut down in the nation, and 300 have closed in the last few years, the National Golf Foundation reported, according to published reports.

Florida has more than 1,200 courses, enough to have one course for every 16,000 people. That’s just too many for the market to sustain, one golf pro says, especially with other recreational activities that may be less time consuming and less expensive competing against the game.

“Golf was in its heyday 20 or 30 years ago, when that was the thing to do, both socially and sports wise,” said Laura Sanderson, a pro at Meadow Oaks Golf & Country Club in Hudson. “Everyone built a bunch of golf courses because, back then, we could keep them full. But now people’s interests have changed, especially the younger generation. People just have better things to do with their time and money.”

The summer season hasn’t helped, when many seasonal residents are in their northern homes, and those remaining finding it too hot to hit the links. Even Meadow Oaks, which averages 275 golfers a day during the peak season, is seeing just a little more than 100 during the summer months.

But getting through those times means knowing that it’s coming, and being ready for it. Quail Hollow Golf Course in Wesley Chapel, for example, has focused on attracting a lot of non-golf events like motorcycle shows and big band performances, Sanderson said.

“You just have to take care of where you’re at,” said Nic Kalojiannis, one of the people in the ownership group that leases and manages Heritage Harbor Golf and Country Club in Lutz. “We do a lot of weddings, sweet 16s, and golf tournaments. It’s a process as a whole that you need to have, just to try and get you through tough seasonal times. Like this year, it’s rained pretty much all day every day, it seems like.”

These events give exposure to the golf course, which is owned by the Heritage Harbor Community Development District.

“We’re out here on Lutz Lake Fern Road off of North Dale Mabry, and we have a beautiful sign and the upkeep is really nice,” Kalojiannis said. “But the clubhouse was built in the back, kind of off the beaten path. We always have people coming in to our events telling us they didn’t even know we were back here.”

Other courses, however, would likely struggle no matter what they tried to do. And all of that goes back to how golf courses were originally financed.

Mortgages — typically in the millions of dollars — were structured in a way that a course could pay its note and still make a profit by charging $70 a round, for example.

“People don’t have that kind of excess money anymore, or if they do, they are not really willing to put it toward golf,” Sanderson said.

Instead, many have to cut fees, and then find ways to save expenses. More often than not, golf courses choose to skimp on maintenance — which could drive away even more golfers, and make their financial situation worse.

Even after Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land O’ Lakes shut down in May, maintenance crews kept the course in mostly good shape. However, when the workers stopped coming, the course fell into disrepair.

“After a matter of a couple months of that, it becomes completely unplayable,” Sanderson said. “You’ll lose the greens, and it’s not that you can just go back and mow it. You’ll have to replace it, and that could cost you $1 million right there.”

Plantation Palms was put up for sale last month for $1.2 million, considerably down from the $2.2 million MJS Golf Club LLC paid for it in 2011.

Plantation Palms was one of many communities in the region, and in the country, anchored by golf courses. But that’s not happening anymore. Some homeowners in Plantation Palms complained about the loss of home value, and many golf course designers have turned to Europe and Asia to build new courses, not finding any market in the United States.

But is golf fighting for its life? Sanderson doesn’t think so. It’s more about “righting the ship.”

“Golf is still strong, we just have too much product out there, too many courses out there,” she said. “We definitely need to grow the industry from the standpoint of the younger generation, but we’re just shaking out some of the excess courses. The ones that survive are going to end up being good in the long run.”

Published September 3, 2014

See this story in print: Click Here

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Email
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Sponsored Content

All-in-one dental implant center

June 3, 2024 By advert

  … [Read More...] about All-in-one dental implant center

WAVE Wellness Center — Tampa Bay’s Most Advanced Upper Cervical Spinal Care

April 8, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Tampa Bay welcomes WAVE Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art spinal care clinic founded by Dr. Ryan LaChance. WAVE … [Read More...] about WAVE Wellness Center — Tampa Bay’s Most Advanced Upper Cervical Spinal Care

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

Maxwell ready to serenade in Florida portion of tour

The soulful sounds of Maxwell have lingered on R&B and hip-hop playlists for more than 25 years. And Florida residents can hear those sounds live through The Serenade Tour.  The three-time Grammy Award-winner will perform at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Sept. 14 and at Amalie Arena in Tampa on Sept. 15.  Maxwell has released five albums since his debut: “Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite” (1996), “Embrya” (1998), “Now” (2001), “BLACKsummers'night” (2009) and ““blackSUMMERS’night” (2016).  His return to touring marks a reunion with Jazmine Sullivan, who joined him on his Maxwell 08 Tour. Sullivan’s discography includes “Fearless” (2008), “Love Me Back” (2010), “Reality Show” (2012) and “Heaux Tales” (2022). She won a Grammy for Best R&B Album for “Heaux Tales.” They’ll be joined by October London, who paid homage to Marvin Gaye on his album, “The Rebirth of Marvin.” His single, "Back to Your Place," has received plays on R&B … [Read More...] about Maxwell ready to serenade in Florida portion of tour

What’s Happening (01/08/25): Distefano returning to Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Chris Distefano is coming back to Tampa Theatre, this time as part of his Chrissy Floridas tour. The performance starts at 8 p.m. March 14. Tickets range from $38.50 to $78.50 plus taxes and fees. Buy them at the Franklin Street Box Office and at tampatheatre.org. Distefano rose to success after performances on the “Guy Code/Girl Code” series.  He went on to star in IFC’s “Benders,” co-host the Netflix gameshow “Ultimate Beastmaster,” and starred in his own CBS sitcom. In 2022, Chris was selected by Jimmy Kimmel to host Jimmy’s latest TV venture, “Super Maximum Retro Show,” for ViceTV. His first full-length comedy special, “Size 38 Waist,” in 2019, encompassed his nice-guy charm and Brooklyn-born edge. His second special, “Speshy Weshy,” premiered on Netflix in May 2022. A third special is set to release in early 2025. When Distefano isn’t on stage, he’s on his couch recording podcasts, such as “Chrissy Chaos” with Mike Cannon, “Hey Babe!” With Impractical … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (01/08/25): Distefano returning to Tampa Theatre

What’s Happening (01/15/25): Podcast to come alive on stage

TAMPA – The McElroy Family will perform two shows Feb. 20 and 21 at Tampa Theatre. Their popular “My Brother, My Brother and Me” Is an advicecast for the modern era featuring three real-life brothers: Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy. They will hold a live version of the podcast on stage at 7 p.m. Feb. 20  Launched in 2010 with new episodes dropping every Monday, the brothers McElroys will answer any query sent their way, each fielding questions falling into their respective areas of expertise.  Justin, Travis and Griffin have recruited their dad, Clint, for a campaign of high adventure at 7 p.m. Feb. 21. Just like its namesake podcast, the live tour invites fans to join the McElroys as they find their fortune and slay an unconscionable number of ... you know, kobolds or whatever in ... The Adventure Zone. Tickets cost $48.50 plus taxes and fees. Buy them at the Franklin Street Box Office and at www.tampatheatre.org.     Jan. 15 Art Club The … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (01/15/25): Podcast to come alive on stage

What’s Happening (01/22/25): SNL alum to perform at Tampa Theatre

TAMPA – Fred Armisen will bring his “Comedy for Musicians But Everyone is Welcome” tour to Tampa Theatre.  Armisen is an 11-season veteran of “Saturday Night Live,” but he has stayed busy with acting credits in “Portlandia,” “Wednesday” and “Los Espookys.”  He also voices characters in the hit animated “Super Mario Bros” movie as well as characters in “Big Mouth” and “The Mitchells vs. The Machines.”  Armisen is currently starring in the Broadway play “All In.” He also served as band leader of the 8G Band on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” from 2014 to 2024.  Tickets cost $48.50 plus applicable taxes and fees at the Franklin Street Box Office and at tampatheatre.org.    Jan. 22 Baby Storytime Babies, ages 0-1, and their caregivers gain a love for reading during Baby Storytime, a lap-sit program, at Land O’ Lakes Library. Call 813-929-1214 for details.  10:15-10:40 & 11:15-11:40 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes   Toddler … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (01/22/25): SNL alum to perform at Tampa Theatre

What’s Happening (01/29/25): Grossology exhibit gets extension

Grossology exhibit gets extension TAMPA – The Museum of Science & Industry has decided to extend its Grossology: The (Impolite) Science of the Human Body through April 27. Grossology takes a fun and informative look at the ooey gooey things that go on inside our bodies, such as runny noses and body odor, using sophisticated animatronics and imaginative hands-on exhibits. Climb a human skin wall with warts, hairs, wounds and pimples that act as hand and foot holds or pump burp man full of soda from a three-foot-tall can, then help him get gassy relief with a booming belch.   Jan. 29 Baby Storytime Land O’ Lakes Library offers Baby Storytime, a lap-sit program meant to instill the love of reading in children at an early age. It is suitable for babies up to age 1 and their caregivers. Call 813-929-1214 for details.  10:15-10:40 & 11:15-11:40 a.m.; 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes   Babytime Children, ages 0-2, and their caregivers engage … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (01/29/25): Grossology exhibit gets extension

What’s Happening (02/05/25): Hot Boys to reunite in Tampa

The Hot Boys to reunite in Tampa CHARLOTTE – Live Nation Urban announced an exclusive three-performance slate of shows headlined by Lil Wayne with special guests Hot Boys (B.G., Juvenile and Turk), presented by Lil’ WeezyAna.  The three-show run includes a stop Feb. 21 at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Buy tickets at lilweezyanafest.com. Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile and Turk took the stage together for the first time in over 15 years at last year’s sold-out Lil’ WeezyAna Fest in New Orleans. They treated audience members to a performance filled with hits like “I Need a Hot Girl” and “Neighborhood Superstar,” as well as their individual tracks like Juvenile’s “Back That Azz Up” and B.G.’s “Bling Bling.”    Feb. 5 Valentine's Stroll Buy Stop by the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center  and find something for your sweetheart. The Friends of the Starkey Ranch Library will have a stroll buy through Feb. 12 with books, crafts, gifts and cards with a Valentine's Day … [Read More...] about What’s Happening (02/05/25): Hot Boys to reunite in Tampa

More of What's Happening

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2025 Community News Publications Inc.

   
%d