More than a decade ago, the University of South Florida received a $1.3 million donation for its public golf course, The Claw. The money was used to build a practice facility for the Bulls’ golf teams.
On top of serving as a preparation track for USF’s squads, students flocked to the golf course located across the street from the Tampa campus. How do I know that?
I was one of them.
The course struggled to maintain well-groomed conditions, but the tee sheet was often full.
However, the course hasn’t served as the Bulls’ home course in years and has lost money in recent seasons.
“In recent years, the course has lost nearly $200,000 annually, as operating costs have far exceeded revenues,” an email to USF alumni said. “The course operations have required USF to inject cash each year to keep it open, and those financial resources could be used elsewhere to better support our students.”
The golf course — opened in 1967 — is set to close Sept. 5.
According to the email, the school will find another use for the 120-acre piece of land.
