The Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club in Calabash, North Carolina, has permanently closed its doors, leading to speculations about a potential sale to a developer. The property owner, Philippe Bureau, denied any plans to sell the course or reopen it. The 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Tom Jackson, featured a variety of amenities such as a driving range, pro shop, bar and grill, and practice greens on the 156-acre property. Tax records show Lune De La Maison LLC as the owner of the course, with Bureau confirming his ownership of the LLC and denying any bankruptcy filings following the closure.
Rumors have been circulating about Bureau selling the property to a developer for housing development, but no confirmation has been provided by Bureau. Carolina Shores Town Administrator, Chad Hicks, stated that the property is zoned as Conservation Recreation District, aiming to preserve open spaces and protect natural resources in Carolina Shores. Despite the closure, golf club members like Don Olivero and Dennis Breen remain hopeful, expressing their desire to support the club and keep it operational. However, Bureau has not reached out to existing members about refunds or the closure of the club, causing frustration among the residents.
Golf club members have noted that the course has not been well-maintained for some time, with several upkeep issues in the golf club facilities. The failure to attract enough customers eventually led to the course’s closure, despite efforts to offer discounts and attract more players. Members who live adjacent to the golf course, like Olivero, are concerned about the potential overgrowth of the property and the presence of unwanted animals. Residents are uncertain about the future of the course, with no clear communication from Bureau about any plans for the property.
Residents like Breen and Olivero express a willingness to help keep the golf course alive, proposing ideas like reducing the course to nine holes and creating a neighborhood park. However, Bureau has stated that he has no intentions to open any other businesses on the property. The lack of communication and uncertainty surrounding the closure of the course has left many residents feeling in the dark about the future of the Carolina Shores Golf and Country Club. Despite the community’s support, the course’s fate remains unknown, leaving many concerned about the maintenance and upkeep of the property in the future.
