Sunol Valley Golf Course to close after nearly 50 years

SUNOL, Calif. (KTVU) - The end of the year marks the end of an affordable family-owned golf course in Sunol. The Sunol Valley Golf Course opened in 1968 with an emphasis on affordability for the working class.

Its closure is being blamed in part on the economy, high cost of water and dwindling interest in golf.
   
Late Friday afternoon, the dark skies looming over the lush green golf course matched the mood of the golfers there. Many came when they heard the news of the closure.

"I wasn't planning to play today, but for the last time, I wanted to play,” said Jason Park who lives in Fremont. 

"It's just beautiful being out there after a stressful day at work. I feel like I'm totally relaxed," said Rob Malhi of Fremont.  

But on Friday morning, the Ivaldi family of Fremont, who owns the course, sent out an email informing members of its closure on December 31st.

The clubhouse, which hosts many special events will close on January 29th. Bryan Richardson, the general manager, tells KTVU 22 weddings have been cancelled.  

"It's devastating," said Richardson.

He is among the 70 employees who will lose their jobs.  He’s worked here since he was 16-years-old.

"This is a really iconic place in the Bay Area.  It’s been a very difficult couple of days," said Richardson. 
 
He says the driving factors behind the closure are the economy, and the number of golfers has dwindled especially after the recession, the rising cost of water and the abundance of golf courses in the area.

"Unfortunately, we got this to a point where we financially couldn't afford to  hang on any longer," said Richardson.    

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) owns the land and has been trying to negotiate a deal to sell it to Alameda County for the past few years, but nothing came from those negotiations.

SFPUC says the golf course hasn't paid rent for the past five years....defaulting on a payment plan.
    
One golfer tells KTVU he learned to play golf on this course and the news of its closure  is hard to take.

"Once I read the email, I felt I had to be there and I'll be here for as many days as they'll be open," said Malhi.  

Richardson said the family who owns the golf course is heartbroken that it has to close after almost 50 years of  serving the community, but that they're grateful to  their customers.