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Muni golf: 5 case studies, including a New Mexico course that’s become a ‘community centerpiece’

Municipal golf courses are a vibrant part of the golf industry’s plan to bring a wider group of the American public to the game.

Often, municipal courses — not simply public-access courses, but those that sit on municipally owned land — have had to weather storms like dwindling tax bases, the game’s rising and falling popularity and a change in access to utilities and labor.

Here is a look at five different municipal golf case studies — some that ridden out the storms successfully and some that have not:

One fighting for its life: Lions Municipal GC, Austin (TX)

Ben Crenshaw, left, and Austin mayor Steve Adler enjoy a smile as activists and community leaders unveiled a plaque in 2016 recognizing the addition of Lions Municipal Golf Course to the National Register of Historic Places. (Austin-American Statesman photo)

Built: 1924 The backstory: Austin's first public golf course and clubhouse — and the only one for nearly two-and-a-half decades — this course hosted players like Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson and 42-time LPGA winner Sandra Haynie. Current status: Since 1924, the University of Texas has leased out the 140 acres on which "Muny" sits to the city of Austin, but the lease has lapsed and the city is asking for public input on zoning for the area on the week of June 21. A conservancy group headed by Crenshaw is trying to purchase the land at a reasonable price and make improvements to the property.

One that was lost forever: Palmer Park, Detroit (MI)

A now-overgrown stretch of Palmer Park, a former golf course in Detroit, Michigan, which lies across the street from the Detroit Golf Club. (Photo by Tim Schmitt/Golfweek)

Built: 1927 The backstory: A short, flat layout, Palmer Park was frequented by Marvin Gaye, Joe Louis and members of The Temptations over the years. It was a public course across the street from Detroit Golf Club, a Donald Ross design that now hosts the PGA Tour's Rocket Mortgage Classic. Current status: After years of losing money, the course was closed by the city of Detroit in 2018 and much of the property is now overgrown and dilapidated.

One that was added: Rockwind Community Links, Hobbs (NM)

Rockwind Golf Links opened in 2015 in Hobbs, New Mexico, and has already made best courses lists, including Golfweek's Best Courses You Can Play in 2020. (Contributed photo.)

Built: 2015 The backstory: When the city of Hobbs, New Mexico, went through an oil boom, it decided to divert money into a new golf course — and Rockwind was born. The course opened with much fanfare as Lee Trevino and Natalie Gulbis made appearances in the first few months. The First Tee of Southeastern New Mexico was built into the plan and currently operates out of the facility. Current status: According to Rockwind GM Ben Kirkes, the facility is profitable and has become a point of civic pride. "It's the centerpiece of this community," Kirkes said. "We get a lot of comments from people who say this belongs in a big city. It's an amazing piece of property."

One that got new shine: Memorial Golf Course, Houston (TX)

A creek runs right alongside an elevated green on No. 15 at Houston's Memorial Park, the host of the Vivint Houston Open. (Photo by Tim Schmitt/Golfweek)

Built: 1912 (renovated 1936) The backstory: This course was the crown jewel of the Houston system for years, originally built as a 9-hole facility in 1912, and then redesigned by John Bredemus in 1936. It played host to the Houston Open in 1947 and again from 1951-63. The ashes of 1965 PGA Championship winner Dave Marr were spread on the course because he learned to play on the track. Current status: With the financial backing of Houston Astros owner Jim Crane, Memorial Park saw a massive $34 million redesign, led by top architect Tom Doak and PGA Tour player consultant Brooks Koepka. The Vivint Houston Open returned in 2020 and the Tour is under contract to use the facility for at least four more years.

One that's (hopefully) getting a full makeover: Langston, Washington (DC)

Built: 1939 The backstory: Home to the oldest African American men’s and women’s golf clubs in the country, Langston was once managed by Lee Elder, who added a driving range to make the facility more popular. Current status: With architect Beau Welling leading a renovation, the course is expected to become the home course for the Howard University’s men’s and women’s golf teams, which were brought back to life after NBA star Steph Curry offered a healthy donation.

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