The Hatherleigh Golf Course will close at the end of this month after almost half a century of operation.
Hatherleigh Sport and Recreation Centre committee chairman Tim Merrett has announced the course closure with regret.
The nine hole, par three, public course was built with the assistance of Federal Government and Millicent District Council grants along with support from the local community and Hatherleigh Football Club.
The course opened on March 6, 1976 by then Millicent Mayor Gladys Smith and its fairways and greens in a bushland setting were highly regarded.
However, Mr Merrett said the Hatherleigh Golf Course has faced rising maintenance costs and declining patronage for many years and these factors have prompted the closure.
Mr Merrett said the committee would negotiate with Wattle Range Council regarding the future use of the land.
The committee also has oversight of the Hatherleigh Oval, netball courts, licensed clubrooms and associated infrastructure.
The final competitive event at Hatherleigh will be the annual Phil Keatley Cup Ambrose Golf Day on June 23.
It was first held in 2014 when 50 competitors were greeted with sunny skies, light winds and perfect golfing conditions.
The winning team for the day was Peter Wight and “Bob” Jones with a par score of 27 from nine holes.
The longest drives a decade ago were struck by Nigel Brown.
Keen golfer and Hatherleigh supporter Phil Keatley has organised the event which bears his name.
