TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – After 26 years of operation, Del Lago Golf Club is closing its doors.
The club announced the closure this week, citing rising costs and decreasing demand. Golfers will play the course for the last time Sunday, Aug. 9.
For Hacienda Del Lago bartender Alyssa Pesce, the announcement came as a surprise.
“I was shocked, I was shocked, we found out earlier this week, and yeah, I was bummed,” Pesce said.
Pesce has worked at Hacienda Del Lago since she was 19. Now 26, she is looking for a new job and a new community.
“It’s like home to me, a lot of family over here, some of these people feel like family to me,” she said.
‘The center of Vail’
Vail Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dr. Denise Bowls said the closure will have a broad impact on the community.
“We don’t ever want to see anyone in our community close; that’s just not the goal; we’re trying to grow,” Bowls said. “This will be devastating for everyone, cause that’s just the center of Vail, that’s where you go to meet, celebrate, you know, have fun.”
Bowls said Del Lago has served as a community hub — a destination for birthdays, social gatherings, and a draw for newer residents purchasing homes in the area. She said the course and its neighboring restaurant are also drivers of tourism, particularly during golf tournaments and events.
“I think all golf courses are economic drivers — who doesn’t want to live on a golf course, you know?” Bowls said.
Pesce said the winter months are among the busiest for the restaurant.
“Our snowbird season, we get a lot of business; that’s when we’re probably our busiest is during the wintertime, because a lot of people come out from Colorado, everywhere really,” she said.
Del Lago responds
In a statement to 13 News, General Manager Ken Bensel said the decision was not made lightly.
“For years, we have worked diligently to preserve the golf course while investing significant time and financial resources in an effort to maintain operations,” Bensel said. “Unfortunately, due to rising costs and decreasing demand, it is no longer feasible to continue operating the course.”
Bensel said the club is grateful for its employees’ dedication and thanked golfers, customers, leagues, tournaments, and community members for their support over the years.
The club said additional information regarding memberships, tournaments, and other operational matters will be communicated directly to those affected in the coming weeks.
Future of property uncertain
Bowls said she is hoping for a solution that benefits the Vail community and its economy — and keeps employees like Pesce working past the end of the month.
“In a perfect world, it would really be nice for somebody to take over the golf course, keep the golf course going, improve it…” Pesce said.
Hacienda Del Lago restaurant will remain open through Aug. 31. It is unclear whether the restaurant will be sold alongside the course or continue to operate independently.
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