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Bradford Highlands Golf Club to close at the end of next year

Bradford Highlands Golf Course will close at the end of next year as part of a development deal with Bayview-Wellington Group
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A view of Bradford Highlands Golf Club. Miriam King/Bradford Today

As part of a long standing deal with developers A.R.G Group Inc., Bradford Highlands Golf Club will officially be closing at the end of 2021. 

A.R.G. Group Inc. plans to expand the current Green Valley Estates subdivison by Bayview Wellington Homes off of Line 6, with town, semi-detached and single family detached homes. 

"I am still processing the announcement," said golf club manager, Ryan Lamb. "I had known that this day was coming but I thought it would have been awhile longer. It is a surprise that is for sure."

Lamb started his golf career in 1988 when the club first opened, as a five-year-old playing the sport with his dad, Coun. Gary Lamb. He went on to obtain a job at the local course when he was a teenager and in 2017 became the club manager.

"Through that time I have developed a lot of friendships along the way, all brought together by this place," he said. 

He called the announcement sad for himself and for the Bradford community. 

"It has been a part of many of our residents' lives, whether they are part of the membership or just occasional golfers. We planted over 250 trees since it opened and it was just now starting to really become a great mature layout."

While Lamb is disappointed, he said he understands from a business perspective - and knew the day would come.

Five years ago, the golf course owners sold an interest in the property to the Bayview-Wellington Group, that built a subdivsion next to the course off Line 6 and Simcoe Road. The golf course continued to operate under a lease agreement, which will now come to an end of the 2021 season. 

Lamb noted that the sport of golf has been on the decline for the past few years, but had recently rebounded in popularity this past season, in part due to the pandemic. 

"The golf business has become more challenging in the past several years with events declining and overal participation declining," stated a letter to golf course staff, informing them of the pending closure. 

When asked for comment about the real estate development in place of the golf course, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury Geoff McKnight, confirmed that development is currently not permitted on golf course lands. 

"For that to occur, an amendment to the town’s official plan and zoning by-law will be required as well as an approved plan of subdivision.  Submission of those applications will trigger a thorough analysis and public consultation program," said McKnight. 

The Bayview-Wellington Group is in the process of obtaining all necessary approvals for a residential development to replace the golf course. 


Natasha Philpott

About the Author: Natasha Philpott

Natasha is the Editor for BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. She graduated from the Media Studies program at The University of Guelph-Humber. She lives in Bradford with her husband, two boys and two cats.
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