Golf gaining popularity across northern Nevada while public courses dwindle
RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — Fewer courses and more golfers - that's the story across much of northern Nevada these days.
Not only is supply and demand to blame but a lot of people picked up golfing during the pandemic all the while three and two-thirds of courses closed in Washoe County. Wildcreek is the two-thirds - just six of the original 18 holes remain after the new Hug High School was built off Sullivan Lane in Sparks.
In northwest Reno, Northgate closed in 2009 to make room for new homes near Somersett. Rosewood Lakes next to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is now wetlands after the city of Reno handed it over to the Truckee Meadows Park Foundation in 2015 to make room for the Southeast Connector. In Sparks, D'Andrea golf course shuttered 11 years ago after money issues between homeowners and the original developer percolated and arson destroyed the club house.
There's hope on the horizon. D'Andrea golf course in Sparks is back — at least half of it is. Nine holes have recently been restored to their original glory.
Mike Jory was the golf pro at D'Andrea when it opened back in 2000 and he never imagined he'd be back.
"I thought after 2012 when they closed, that'd be it, you know, for this property so this is super exciting for me. You know I've lived and been involved in this community for 23 years and so to bring it back for all the homeowners to enjoy is so exciting," said Jory.
Jory anticipates D'Andrea will see 50,000 rounds of golf played at the course per year - which other public courses across Washoe County already average. Compare that to the old days when it was 38,000 rounds annually, cheaper and faster.
D'Andrea is expected to reopen around Fourth of July.
