The fairways at South Mountain Golf Course are once again filled with golfers after the Franklin County course narrowly avoided permanent closure earlier this year.
The course, which has operated for decades on state-owned land, was facing closure after the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) initially planned not to renew its lease in favor of building a new visitor center for Michaux State Forest, where the course is located.
DCNR officials previously argued the land could better serve the growing number of forest visitors through expanded public recreation and conservation efforts.
The proposed closure sparked a public outcry from golfers, local residents and elected officials, many of whom argued the course was an important affordable recreational option in the area. A petition drive and community campaign followed in an effort to save the course.
What appeared to be the end of the course instead turned into a last-minute reprieve after the Shapiro administration stepped in and renewed the lease for another 10 years, allowing the George family to continue operating the course as it has done for more than 60 years.
Among those relieved to see the course survive is Franklin County resident Jeremy Snider, who regularly brings his young son to play.
“I think most golf courses tend to frown upon bringing kids just to keep the pace of play going,” Snider said. “So, South Mountain’s always been very welcoming to allowing kids to come and learn how to play the game of golf.”
Franklin County resident Tesher Walizer said losing the course would have priced many people out of golf entirely.
“I’m very relieved that I’ll be able to keep coming out here and enjoying rounds of golf, whether it be by myself or be with my family and friends,” Walizer said. “I’m not a big fan of most of the other ones around here, at least like the nice public ones that are cheaper, obviously. The big country clubs are pretty nice, but they’re expensive.”
The renewed interest in the course has translated into more golfers arriving at South Mountain this season, according to employees.
“When you put that in the news and it becomes an issue and something that may be lost, it generated interest,” said South Mountain employee Dave Lasley. “Since we opened back up this year, membership is up, play is up, and it’s hard sometimes, like today, early today, to keep up with the number of people who are coming through.”
For Snider, the reopening means more years of making memories with his son on the course.
“We’ll continue to come here for years to come,” Snider said. “And as he progresses and gets better, I know we’ll be bringing him for many years.”