As the home to the U.S. Air Force's 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg Air Force Base in California is ground zero for the military's space and missile testing. For the past 59 years, it also has been home to Marshallia Ranch Golf Course. Even Marshallia Ranch's unique status in the golf industry has done little if anything to ensure the property is immune from the challenges that exist outside Vandenburg's gates.
Citing declining play and rising water costs, the Air Force closed Marshallia Ranch last month. The practice range and clubhouse remain open, but the golf course no longer is open for play.Reportedly designed by Bob Baldock, who has more than 80 course designs to his credit, Marshallia Ranch has been the site of several military tournaments was dubbed by the Air Force as its "Best Kept Secret."
The real secret is out now.
According to published reports, the course, once open only to retired and active military personnel, opened its doors to public play in 2005 and has been operating in the red for 10 years. That's a problem for military courses that are part of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation division. As such, they must be self-sustaining and receive no additional funds from the government.
From 2006 through 2015, there has been a net loss of 993 golf courses, according to the National Golf Foundation.
Air Force personnel said the course has been buying water from the state for more than a decade, and the cost of water has risen 500 percent in that time.
Superintendent George Stiles has made changes in recent years in an effort to cut back, including turning off water in the fairways and cutting back on greens and tees. That still wasn't enough, as water costs soared to more than $250,000, making the operation financially unfeasible, the Air Force said.
The golf shop, practice range, putting green and chipping area all will remain open.