After two years of negotiations, the Oceanside City Council has unanimously approved a $3.6 million deal with Goat Hill Partners LLC, which will renovate and take over operations of the city's long-neglected municipal golf course.
John Ashworth, head of the group that signed the contract last week, said he considers his investment in the 72-acre Center City Golf Course is a service to the community and golfers.
“The golf course needs a lot of TLC,” Ashworth said. “It’s going to take a lot of work, but at the end of the day it’s a sporty little fun golf course, great driving range, fun little clubhouse scene that can do events.”
Renowned golf course architect Tom Doak is on board to make the renovations to the course known to locals as "Goat Hill."
Initial improvements to the golf course and clubhouse will begin immediately and be completed within two years.
Total renovations, including adding a restaurant, community garden and outdoor amphitheater, are expected to take five years.
The golf course will also be home to the North County Junior Golf Association.
Goat Hill Partners will take over operations of the course on July 1, with a 30-year extension option followed by two 10-year extension options.
Ashworth said the delays in working out the agreement were partly caused by him, while the city was responsible for others.
The most recent delay came when the city considered a proposal to build a soccer academy and hotel on the property.
The golf course will remain open during the renovations.
