RUSH TOWNSHIP — A golf course that’s been in business in Northumberland County for almost 40 years has decided to call it quits. The folks who run Cherokee Golf Course near Riverside believe it just isn’t profitable enough anymore to stay in business.
Golfers took advantage of the warm weather and played a round at Cherokee Golf Course near Riverside in Northumberland County.
“The course is in great shape all the time. The ownership is great. They go out of their way–anything you need they’ll get it for you,” Harry Beight said.
Cherokee Golf Course will close for good at the end of the year. The family owned and operated business is feeling the effects of the economy. Owner Kevin Brouse says he and his family have not taken any pay this year in an effort to keep the golf course in business.
“It’s all been donated time just to keep up with the bills and obligations, taxes, fees, etc,” Brouse said.
Brouse says the cost of fuel has gone up almost 300% over the last few years. With the golf course needing to be mowed several times a week it was just too much.
“On course mowers run $50,000 and up. Greens mowers run $30,000. We just can’t justify making that investment,” Brouse said.
Brouse says there are around 80 members at Cherokee Golf Course. Mike Terrizzi is there five times a week.
“We’re going to have to figure out what we’re going to do. We don’t want to leave but we understand why,” Terrizzi said.
“Most of my friends are from all over the place and they come here because they enjoy the people. It’s going to be a blow to the community actually,” Beight said.
Cherokee Golf Course opened in 1973. Brouse says when it closes at the end of this year, the mowers and golf carts will be sold. The family is still deciding what it will do with the land.
