Endangered Munis

Lions Municipal, Austin, TX

Lions Municipal Golf Course has been a part of Austin for almost 100 years as the city’s oldest and most beloved public course. “Muny” is a treasured urban green space and was recently recognized as a nationally significant civil rights historical site as the first public course in the South to racially integrate. But Austin is in danger of losing this invaluable property to development.

Louisville Munis, Louisville, KY

Despite an incredible golf heritage, the municipal courses in Louisville are endangered. There is debate about privatization or even shuttering of some or all of the courses. This is not just the case of a singular course that is in trouble, but rather an alarming look at what can happen when a large urban area contemplates turning its back and pulling its resources from its stable of golf courses.

Sharp Park, Pacifica, CA

Of all the public golf courses in San Francisco, Sharp Park, which opened for play in April, 1932, arguably has the most distinguished pedigree and the deepest historical roots.  Located 10 miles south of San Francisco alongside Salada Beach in Pacifica (San Mateo County), the course was designed by Dr. Alister Mackenzie, the Golf Hall of Fame architect who also designed Augusta National (home of the Masters Championship), Cypress Point (often ranked as the finest course in the world), as well as scores of other famed courses around the globe. 

City Park Golf Course, Baton Rouge, LA

Host of the 2020 National Hickory Championship and one of only 20 golf courses on the National Register of Historic Places, City Park Golf Course was one of the final courses designed by Scottish-born Tom Bendelow, known by many as the “Johnny Appleseed of American golf” for his prolific creation of courses around the country.

Stan Spring, assisted by the members of the Society of Hickory Golfers at City Park and the Friends of City Park, organized the very successful Tom Bendelow Classic which was a Hickory Golf tournament held at the City Park Golf Course 10/30/21. Golfers representing Florida, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana participated.

Belmont Park, Henrico County, VA

Designed in 1916 by famed golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast, Belmont Park Golf Course near Richmond, VA is one of the most historic and distinguished public golf courses in all of North America. In 1949, Belmont Park was host to the PGA National Championship (won by Golf Hall of Famer Sam Snead). It is the only course in Virginia to ever host a golf major (and one of the few championship courses open to the public). The Henrico County Board of Supervisors decided in December 2020 to lease the property to the First Tee of Greater Richmond who will turn the historic course into a twelve hole course and a six hole short course.