Southern Illinois golf course announces closure after nearly 70 years

A southern Illinois golf course will shut down permanently after nearly 70 years of operation.

Crab Orchard Golf Club in Carterville will cease golf course operations in March 1, its owners announced Wednesday. The owners cited family health challenges and rising operating costs including chemicals, equipment, fuel, labor, insurance premiums and property taxes all contributed to the decision.

The announcement comes nearly seven decades after the course opened in 1959. The Brown family purchased the club during the COVID-19 pandemic and said the financial demands of running it have continued to grow.

The family posted that regular play will continue for now, and all current memberships will be honored through February.

Despite the planned closure, the owners said they believe the property still has a future in golf. They expressed hope that someone new will take over the longtime Carterville course.


(Photo Crab Orchard Golf Course Facebook page)