Carmel Highland Golf Course to close on March 31
Closure of the Carmel Highland Golf Course in Rancho Penasquitos is underway and will culminate with the permanent shutdown of the golf course, putting green and pro shop on March 31.
The 6,428-yard, 18-hole course has been around for over 50 years, but will close “due to declining revenues and rounds of golf as well as exorbitant repair, renovation, operational and maintenance costs,” according to a press release issued by The Carmel Highland DoubleTree Hotel Ownership Team.
The Laurus Corporation, which purchased the property in 2011 and is also invested in the adjacent DoubleTree Resort and Spa, first announced the closure of the golf course in July 2014. The corporation said back then that the course was losing in excess of $500,000 a year. Nothing has changed.
“...Despite the efforts of our golf management company, Troon Golf Management, golf course operations have not stabilized,” the release stated. “This severe financial situation has left us with no other alternative but to follow through on our original announcement made mid-2014 to close the course.”
The hot-button issue to nearby homeowners is what will happen to the 113 acres of land once the closure is complete. The press release issued did not reveal very much in regards to that.
“While we are in discussions with several land development companies that have expressed interest in the golf course property, we will not be back in front of the community planning board until we have a land use proposal to present,” the release said. “For now, thank you for your patience as we move through the golf course closure process.”
The DoubleTree Hotel will remain open and undergo $12 million worth of renovations beginning in the summer. But the golf course has already started the closing-down process with the first step being the implementation of an employee relocation and placement program.
There will be a special two-day “Farewell Rounds” golf tournament on March 22 and 23. Signups, which are restricted to 125 golfers per day, will begin March 1 at the Carmel Highland Pro Shop and via phone (858-485-4146). Each round will be offered at no charge and will include golf carts and bags with commemorative items, including golf balls, tees and more.
The irrigation will be turned off to select fairways and greens by March 29 and fencing will be installed around the perimeter of the course in mid-April. “The property will be maintained in accordance with San Diego Municipal Codes 54.0206 (weed, rubbish and waste abatement) and 142.0412 (brush management) as well as CA Fire Code,” according to the release.