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
Several golf courses around here have closed over the years as their Boomer clientele dies off and the younger generation is too broke to replace them.