Could Brookville Be Losing Its Golf Course?

Brook Hill Golf Course is in danger of being auctioned off in parcels, unless local governments can save it.

(Franklin County, Ind.) - A favorite golf course in Franklin County is in a major divot.

Brook Hill Golf Club in Brookville has been a place for Saturday morning tee times, fundraisers, and gatherings since it opened in 1975. But like many courses across the nation, Brook Hill is seeing fewer players and struggling to stay afloat.

Now, the course is set to be auctioned off in several parcels on December 8.

The Franklin County Observer newsletter reports that local auctioneer and realtor Dave White is attempting to find a buyer to keep the property operating as a golf course. He worries that the value of homes surrounding the course could decrease by 20 percent, while vacant lots could see their value decrease as much as 40 percent.

“It is entirely possible that the property valuation could be negatively affected by nearly $11.5 million,” White said at a meeting with golf players, property owners and government officials last week.

Citizens are worried that losing the 18-hole course could make the Brookville area less desirable. Local school groups and other organizations would have to go elsewhere for hosting their golf outing fundraisers.

Members of county council and the board of commissioners have been receptive to the possibility of local governments partnering to keep the course open.

It could take a significant investment to keep the course in operation. White said a past appraisal of the golf course came in at $1.2 million.

A meeting is due to take place Tuesday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin County Government Center, 1010 Franklin Avenue, in Brookville.