High Profile Drought Victim: Stevinson Ranch

Though there are surely many reasons for any course closure, the family-farming ownership of Stevinson Ranch says the course's July 20th date of death is all about the drought. Almonds or turf? Almonds win 7&6.

Here is the NCGA's story on the closure of a course beloved for hosting amateur qualifiers and college events, designed by the late John Harbottle to much acclaim over 20 years.

And Ron Agostini in the Merced Sun Star had this telling quote:

Owner George Kelley, who co-designed the acclaimed Merced County course with John Harbottle III on family-owned wetlands property, said the downturn in rounds played in recent years, coupled with serious water concerns, forced Stevinson Ranch’s closure effective July 18.

He informed his staff late Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Kelley said. “We were just getting hammered to the point where our water situation was awful. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. We had to make a business decision – our family almond business had to come first over the golf business.”

The closure marks the valley golf community’s second major hit within the last year.