[Alberta's Child]

Very interesting article. It looks like the golf angle is only a small part of a much bigger issue that a lot of delusional people overlooked: They bought homes in homeowners' associations that had the legal authority to impose some ridiculously onerous regulations -- like forcing residents to join the golf club for an exorbitant monthly fee on top of all the other association expenses.

I don't know what any of these people are complaining about. If nothing else, your closed-down 117-acre golf course is 117 acres of real estate that can be sold off for something else. Many of these associations have giant assets on their hands that can make their members a lot of money, if they play their cards right.

[KarlInOhio]

Many of these associations have giant assets on their hands that can make their members a lot of money, if they play their cards right.

I wonder if the developer retained ownership of the golf course with the homeowners' association having responsibility for it but no rights.

Yet another reason not to buy in an area with a homeowners' association.

[Rockingham]

Much of the value in having a home on a golf course is the visual appeal of the open, park-like space of the golf course itself. Selling off the land for development diminishes the worth of the adjoining homes.

[Rockingham]

Much of the value in having a home on a golf course is the visual appeal of the open, park-like space of the golf course itself. Selling off the land for development diminishes the worth of the adjoining homes.

[Chickensoup]

I agree. Perhaps by developing houses on large lots and gate the community?

[Cvengr]

Not so easy to re-use that land for other purposes, than perhaps a park.

Most golf courses, due to their high percolation rates and watering schedules are designed as part of the storm water drainage plan for the subdivision. Their water hazards are used as sedimentation and filtration basins for the recycled irrigation water used on the fairways.

Even if used as a swap meet, the non-potable irrigation systems would have to be more prolifically posted if opened to the general public. Golfers generally sign waivers in the fine print when they get their golf tee times paid.

[Rockingham]

In many instances, developers retained an interest in the golf course, clubhouse, and residual development rights. This permits a wide range of profiteering. Or, the developer sold the clubhouse and course to the country club at an inflated price, which then had to ding the members for decades to pay off the debt. In short, many golf courses have embedded excess costs.

[Baynative]

" It looks like the golf angle is only a small part of a much bigger issue that a lot of delusional people overlooked: They bought homes in homeowners' associations that had the legal authority to impose some ridiculously onerous regulations."

Good point. While an HOA is supposed to be a vehicle for enhancing property values, it can be a nightmare when taken over by people who feel the need to be important in order to give meaning to their lives.

Our golf course is well managed and thoughtfully coordinated with the HOA that maintains soft handed order to keep the community in good shape. Maybe it's because we have a good many ex-Californians who respect self determination and personal liberties.

We moved here from a golf community where a lot of PIPs (previously important people) kept teh community in constant turmoil. It was like high school, but with money.