Historic Hudson Valley Golf Course Could Be Closed For Good

A Poughkeepsie golf course, considered one of the oldest in the country, could be closed for good. The Poughkeepsie Journal reports a letter went out to members just before Christmas stating Dutchess Golf Club would be closed and no longer in operation.

This could be the end of the road for the semi-private club if another owner can't be found. Originally opened in 1897, it has been a part of the area's social fabric for generations. However, in recent years the club has had it's share of problems.

The property has changed hands several times since Rhinebeck Bank took it over in 2012. Most recent owner Anthony Bacchi, who also owns a course in Saugerties, made a sizable investment in the clubhouse and landscaping in an attempt to draw in new clientele. Unfortunately these efforts seem to have fallen short, leaving the clubs future in question.

The club went from having a waiting list to join to struggling to hold onto members. Over saturation in the local golf market and lack of interest from younger generations are suspected reasons for having gone under perhaps a final time.