Community Looks To Save Golf Course

Leaders in one Oklahoma community hope to save their golf course.  A public meeting was set to discuss the future of Fountainhead Golf Course on Lake Eufaula.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports the state is considering closing the course to save money.

Even on a blustery, cold, snowy day, golf is a hot topic at Fountainhead Golf Course on Lake Eufaula.  The state tourism commission is considering closing the course.

"We're being told that we don't generate enough rounds out here to be able to break-even," said golfer Dan Kukla.

Golfer Dan Kukla will be among dozens of people attending a public meeting on the issue.  They say closing the golf course would harm the area's tourism, which is its number one industry.

Supporters say even if the course doesn't pay for itself, it's an important part of the area's recreation industry.

"Fountainhead of course is sold as a package deal and it helps bring together that tourist destination," said Rene Beezley with the Lake Eufaula Association.

Local leaders are lobbying the state to enter into an agreement with the Creek Nation or another private group to take over operation of the course.

There is also concern that if the golf course closes because there is no one to take it over that it will fall into a state of disrepair because no maintenance is being done, and that will make it more difficult to find someone to operate it on down the road.

Kukla says it's a quality of life issue for many people who retired to the area.

"We're on fixed incomes.  We're retired and to have to drive to someplace like Arrowhead or some other course, with today's gas prices, puts a lot more burden on us.  And, we like this course, this is a fun course to golf," said golfer Dan Kukla.

The state tourism commission is expected to decide the future of the course at its issue at its meeting later this month.