Historic Columbia Golf Courses Listed for Sale

Historic Columbia Golf Courses Hit the Market for $3.85 Million

Columbia, get ready, because two of your historic golf gems are up for grabs! The Members Club at Woodcreek and WildeWood have officially been listed for sale at a whopping $3.85 million. Both courses have been beloved by local enthusiasts since they were established in 1976. They have been run as a single unit by devoted members for decades, but now the club is seeking to change its future.

Why the Decision to Sell?

The decision to put these iconic courses on the market comes as a surprise to many. Club president Richard Swartout explained that the members currently own the two courses, but there has been a growing concern regarding the need for capital investments. Apparently, raising these funds through membership dues just wasn’t cutting it anymore. The club feels that selling the courses could ultimately lead to a better outcome for everyone involved.

Interestingly, the sale does offer some flexibility. Potential buyers have the option to purchase Woodcreek and WildeWood separately, catering to a wider range of interested investors.

Abe in the Market!

Speaking of interested buyers, approximately 25 potential purchasers have already shown an interest in making a deal for the courses. With golf courses facing a challenging market, it’s not an isolated incident that these two are seeking new ownership. In fact, the Members Club and WildeWood join a growing list of golf courses in the Columbia area that have either closed or undergone significant changes.

This year, the Golf Club of South Carolina at Crickentree shut its doors after facing bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings. Plans for that site actually involve converting the golf course into a residential development, with proposals for 450 homes on the horizon. Then there’s the former Rawls Creek; it ended up being donated to the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, which plans to link its cart paths to the Three Rivers Greenway.

The Oversaturated Golf Scene

Jessica Chavis, a specialist in golf club management, recently pointed out that the Midlands area is suffering from an oversaturation of golf courses. In Richland and Lexington counties alone, there are currently 18 golf courses competing for players’ attention. This raises significant questions about the sustainability of the golf industry in the area, making the sale of Woodcreek and WildeWood all the more relevant.

Details on the Courses

Curious about what makes these two courses so special? Let’s break it down. The Woodcreek Country Club is up for grabs at $2.55 million and boasts a stunning Tom Fazio-designed course. This property also features a massive 12,000 square foot clubhouse, complete with a bar and grill, tennis courts, and a swimming pool—perfect for a relaxing day after your round of golf.

On the other hand, WildeWood Country Club is listed at $1.3 million, offering a fair yet challenging golf experience. Its assets include a charming 10,000 square foot Colonial-style clubhouse, pro-shop, bar and grill, and tennis courts. Both properties are just about 25 minutes from downtown Columbia, nestled in the northeast part of Richland County.

What’s Next?

With these two golf courses on the market, the future looks uncertain but filled with possibilities. Whether they remain a part of the golfing community in Columbia or transition into something new, the story of Woodcreek and WildeWood is unfolding right before our eyes. Keep your ears open—this is only the beginning!