TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – After 26 years of operation, Del Lago Golf Club is closing its doors.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
For Hacienda Del Lago bartender Alyssa Pesce, the announcement came as a surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was shocked, I was shocked, we found out earlier this week, and yeah, I was bummed,\u201d Pesce said.<\/p>\n
Pesce has worked at Hacienda Del Lago since she was 19. Now 26, she is looking for a new job and a new community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like home to me, a lot of family over here, some of these people feel like family to me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u2018The center of Vail\u2019<\/b><\/p>\n
Vail Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dr. Denise Bowls said the closure will have a broad impact on the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t ever want to see anyone in our community close; that\u2019s just not the goal; we\u2019re trying to grow,\u201d Bowls said. \u201cThis will be devastating for everyone, cause that\u2019s just the center of Vail, that\u2019s where you go to meet, celebrate, you know, have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bowls said Del Lago has served as a community hub \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think all golf courses are economic drivers \u2014 who doesn\u2019t want to live on a golf course, you know?\u201d Bowls said.<\/p>\n
Pesce said the winter months are among the busiest for the restaurant.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur snowbird season, we get a lot of business; that\u2019s when we\u2019re probably our busiest is during the wintertime, because a lot of people come out from Colorado, everywhere really,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Del Lago responds<\/b><\/p>\n
In a statement to 13 News, General Manager Ken Bensel said the decision was not made lightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor years, we have worked diligently to preserve the golf course while investing significant time and financial resources in an effort to maintain operations,\u201d Bensel said. \u201cUnfortunately, due to rising costs and decreasing demand, it is no longer feasible to continue operating the course.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bensel said the club is grateful for its employees\u2019 dedication and thanked golfers, customers, leagues, tournaments, and community members for their support over the years.<\/p>\n
The club said additional information regarding memberships, tournaments, and other operational matters will be communicated directly to those affected in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
Future of property uncertain<\/b><\/p>\n
Bowls said she is hoping for a solution that benefits the Vail community and its economy \u2014 and keeps employees like Pesce working past the end of the month.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a perfect world, it would really be nice for somebody to take over the golf course, keep the golf course going, improve it…\u201d Pesce said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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