SAN ANTONIO -- The line of carts traveled around the cul-de-sac in front of Pecan Valley Golf Club. Inside the clubhouse, a few dozen T-shirts and ball caps are on sale, the last of their kind with the “Pecan Valley” logo emblazoned across them.
For golfers waiting their chance to tee-up, the “what-ifs” for historic Pecan Valley Golf Club have become “what’s next.”
“I’ve played it around 25 times over my life, beautiful and challenging. I’m sad to see it go,” said golfer Tory Espinoza.
Watching the crowds and spacing the foursomes through a walkie-talkie is the club’s general manager, Mike MacRae.
“If all the play we’re getting this weekend had been consistent over the last couple of years, this wouldn’t be happening,” said MacRae.
The golf course’s last weekend has become one of its busiest, and reservations are hard to come by. Golfers come to hook, slice and remember what was a home to 3-Texas Opens and the 50th PGA Championship.
MacRae said the golf course’s owner, Pennsylvania-based Royal Golf Development, Inc., is deciding what to do.
“As of right now, the course has not been sold, is not for sale, and they decided to take a couple, 3 months off and assess where they are going to go from here,” MacRae said.
Foresight Golf manages the course. The company tells KENS-TV that plans will be announced in April.
On the women’s tee box for hole #1, Linda Billa-Burke takes a practice swing. Her father-in-law built the golf course, all those years ago.
“I remember just great stories to always talk about, for all the great golfers who have played throughout history who have been here--and young ones, who went on to be great golfers,” said Burke.
Although considered a challenging 18 holes, back in 1968 PGA golfers weren’t complaining about the course. They were complaining about San Antonio’s heat.
Arnold Palmer wrote about it in his book “A Golfer’s Life.” Palmer would miss a putt and lose the PGA Championship to Julius Boros. But 2nd place and the $12,000 prize money would make Palmer the first golfer in history to make over a million dollars in his career.
Golfers call this weekend their last chance to get out a driver and swing where the likes of Lee Trevino once teed-up. And maybe, make a memory.
“We have to play once before they close it down, said golfer Henry Collins. “I’m looking for a high 70’s, 78 or 79. I would really be smiling when I finish.”
