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HOA saves neighborhood golf course from closing

Posted at 10:14 PM, Jun 01, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-02 01:14:15-04

Golf courses in Tucson have been closing over the past years because upkeep costs are too high. 

One course in the Sabino Springs neighborhood will stay open as it was saved by the Home Owner's Association. 

The HOA will now lease the course and keep it open for golfers but it will cost the home owners there a monthly fee.

Since October, the HOA at Sabino Springs has been proactive about their options after talks of their neighborhood golf course closing. 

Arizona National is owned by the same company, Rompsen, as the golf course at Vistoso in Oro Valley which is the golf course closing in Tucson. 

 

 

Homeowners decided leasing the course would be the best option but will now have to pay $100 a month for a five year lease. 

"The big thing for everyone is that life goes on as it's been and we don't have to worry about overgrown fairways or roped off fences around the club house. Everyone's property value will stay the same," says HOA President, Bob Hornack. 

While the majority wanted the golf course leased - there were some that voted no.

Many say, they don't golf so what would be the benefit for them? 

Hornack says, "what happens is and this is happening all over the country where golf course communities closes ... property values go down."

While the percentage of property value decreases is uncertain - Historically, it's between 9 to 40 percent. 
     
Closed golf courses aren't attractive and can be dangerous because over grown grass can become a fire hazard and untreated ponds bring in unwanted mosquitoes. 

Michael Whyde doesn't live in the community but is a member of Arizona National and says golf course closings is a sign of the times. 

"It's happening all over the country - you go to phoenix same thing is happening there. There's less play and that's why you see the USGA is trying to improve the amount of time it takes to play and get more young people involved in it." 

Sabino Springs will take over operations July 1st and the course is open to the public.