I saw this article today in Australian Paper - https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/half-of-the-moore-park-golf-course-will-be-scrapped-as-80000-residents-are-expected-to-occupy-the-area-by-2040/news-story/c8cc5e7fc35bff012d081cb7804c0fc3
So I did a bit of research and it turns out this is becoming quite common.
- In the US, some cities are turning golf courses into parks and housing to address the land shortages and environmental issues. For example, in Denver, Colorado, a former golf course is being transformed into a 155-acre park with trails, ponds, and wildlife habitats. In Houston, Texas, a 200-acre golf course is being redeveloped into a mixed-use community with affordable housing, retail, and office space.
- In Australia, some golf courses are facing land use regulatory hurdles from local governments and residents who oppose their redevelopment. For instance, in Sydney, New South Wales, a proposal to rezone a 52-hectare golf course for residential and commercial use was rejected by the state government after strong opposition from the local council and community groups. In Adelaide, South Australia, a plan to convert a 60-hectare golf course into a housing estate was challenged by the local council in court.
- In Florida, some golf courses are being repurposed for conservation and recreation purposes. For example, in Palm Beach County, a 27-hole golf course was purchased by the county and turned into a natural area with hiking trails, boardwalks, and observation platforms. In Sarasota County, a 18-hole golf course was acquired by the county and converted into a park with playgrounds, picnic areas, and fitness stations.
- In London, a study suggested that golf courses on public land could provide homes for 300,000 people, as well as other uses such as allotments, sports facilities, or urban farms.
- In Scotland, a former golf course in Edinburgh was turned into a nature reserve with wetlands, woodlands, and meadows.
- In Wales, a golf course in Cardiff was sold to a developer who plans to build 2,000 homes and a school on the site.
- In Ohio, the Ohio History Connection took Moundbuilders Country Club by eminent domain to transform the golf course property, which includes the Newark Earthworks’ Octagon Mounds, into a public park
I already said I'm opposed to taxes going to them. If they can't exist on their own merits, they shouldn't. If they can, I don't care.
But that's the thing. Many cannot. They require the local area be beholden to their needs to bring in the necessary clientele to justify the massive space and overhead to maintain such a field. Not even just taxes, but huge swaths of space and considerations for their needs above the nearby populace.
I get your stance, but its the same as being "fine with single mothers if they don't use welfare or alimony." Possible and commendable if so, but not worth consideration for the discussion due to its rarity.