VAIL, Ariz. (KVOA) – Residents in a Vail neighborhood are speaking out after learning the Rancho del Lago Golf Course they live on will close in a matter of days.
Homeowners received an email from the course’s owners announcing Sunday will be the last day of operations. Some residents who spoke with News 4 Tucson said they are not happy about the sudden closure.
Carl Grigel has lived in the community for more than two decades. He said in recent years, the course and pond next to his home have not been maintained.
“You know it’s definitely not going to be nice to see an empty pond and also looking out the back of my house where the golf course is to see that slowly deteriorate to nothing,” Grigel said.
He said his three grandchildren learned to fish at the pond and play around the lake. However, conditions continue to get worse.
“All three of my grandchildren learned to fish here, they always play around the lake but it’s pretty disgusting with the smells and stuff like that right now,” Grigel said.
The email from the course’s owners stated the decision was not made lightly. It read in part: “For years, we have worked diligently to preserve the golf course while investing significant time and financial resources in an effort to maintain operations. Unfortunately, due to rising costs and decreasing demand, it is no longer feasible to continue operating the course.”
The email also stated the golf course will continue normal operations through August 9, allowing golfers and residents an opportunity to enjoy the facility one final time. Additional information regarding memberships, tournaments and other operational matters will be communicated directly to those affected in the coming weeks.
Karen McCormick, another longtime homeowner in the community, said she was shocked to learn about the closure. She said she feels left in the dark about what happens next.
“No explanation, not was it sold, is somebody else was going to take over the golf course and maintain it. What about the restaurant? What happens to the local high schools around here that use this golf course for practice for their sports teams that are golf teams? Where do they go now? They’re not going to be able to play in Vail anymore. I don’t understand it. It doesn’t make any sense,” McCormick said.
Questions remain unanswered about what will happen to other amenities at the course. McCormick said she now has to consider whether it is worth staying in the community.
“I mean I’d hate to sell my retirement home. My house is paid for and I want to retire here. It’s a great community, but all the amenities that we paid for are now going away, and that’s unfortunate. It’s sad, it’s sad for this whole community,” McCormick said.
The course’s general manager said the restaurant and pond did not come up in his meeting with the owner. He also said the owner is the one who maintains the pond.
We’ll continue to follow this story and bring you more details as we learn them,