Golfers Protest Possible Closing of Course

(Memphis) Dozens of people are upset about the City of Memphis possibly closing a golf course. 

The City is looking to save money but some say closing the Davy Crockett course would wipe out one of the only bright spots in Frayser.

The Davy Crockett Golf Course has been around for more than 50 years and the people who use it say it brings money, positivity and joy to the area. They don’t want to see it go.

“I love this golf course. Everybody here loves this golf course,” said Golfer Shana Radford. “It’s gorgeous. It is in perfect shape. There are other areas [the City] can do something with.”

The golfers say cuts but this shouldn’t be one of them.

“We have been playing out here a long time,” said Golfer Tom Hunt. “Myself, I have been out here 32 years.”

“This is one positive thing in Frayser. Please don`t take it away from us,” said Radford.

The City says the reason its considering closing down the Davy Crockett course is because, of out of all golf courses in Memphis, it makes the least amount of cash, costs the most to run and in the end, loses more than $300,000 a year.

 But the golfers say the course brings in money to Frasyer.

“I come here to play golf two times a week,” said Radford. “I stop and shop and Kroger. I go and get gas.”

They say it keeps passion alive for seniors.

“Every year when the season is over, we have our tournament to declare for the trophies and all,” said Margaret Beaver of the Raleigh-Frayser Senior Group.

 The golfers say it even has kept at-risk kids off the streets.

“They started playing golf and are productive citizens right now,” said Radford.

All reasons, to them, the course means more than money.

“We have all the signatures that are willing to be at the Council and we are going to call everybody and get everybody back out here,” said Gina Wood holding up a petition, that she says has more than 200 signatures on it.

The City says there has been no final decision about closing the golf course and the City  Council is going to be discussing the matter next Tuesday. 

All are welcome to come and voice their opinion.