The current owners of Valley Golf Center are retiring after eight years, but property owner Valley Children’s Healthcare is in discussions with possible new operators. Photo courtesy of Valley Golf Center
Valley Golf Center, a longtime golf practice and instruction facility in north Fresno, will close at the end of July as its current operators retire, though the property’s owner says it hopes to keep the facility open under new management.
The facility announced Wednesday evening on social media that it will close July 29, asking customers to use any remaining driving range cards and gift cards before that date.
“It’s with great sadness to announce that Valley Golf Center will be closing at the end of this month,” Valley Golf Center wrote. “It has been an honor to provide the community with a safe & fun venue for golf. Our passion has always been about serving our community.”
However, Valley Children’s Healthcare, which owns the property, said the golf center itself may not be closing permanently.
“The operators of Valley Golf Center informed Valley Children’s of their plans to retire,” the hospital said in a statement. “Since then, we have been exploring options for the future of the golf center, and we are currently in discussions with a potential new operator. Our goal is to keep the facility open for families and visitors to enjoy.”
Valley Children’s thanked the current operators for their years of dedication and service to the community and said it will share additional information as plans are finalized.
The golf center also noted its support of First Tee of Fresno, nearby Valley Children’s Hospital and local schools, including Fresno State.
Valley Golf Center opened on Jan. 12, 2018, after LPGA teaching professional Cindy Vining and a business partner negotiated a lease following the closure of River Park Golf Center, which operated on the site for nearly two decades before the property changed ownership in late 2017.
The facility continued the location’s legacy as a practice destination for golfers of all skill levels and was a training site for local high school, middle school and Fresno State golf teams.
More recently, they invested in Toptracer technology, which allows players to track ball flight and play virtual golf courses while practicing.
Last fall, Vining told The Business Journal that advanced technology and golf simulators complement traditional outdoor facilities by providing golfers another option to continue to strengthen their game while avoiding the heat during the summer.