Photo by Sydney Cromwell.
Altadena Valley Country Club
Altadena Valley Country Club member Greg Gilbert lines up a shot. Gilbert has golfed at Altadena Valley twice a week for 40 years, but will have to find a new course once the club closes on May 31.
As the city of Vestavia Hills and Keith Development make plans for a park and housing development on the Altadena Valley Country Club site, the club is trying to find a way to remain in business until its official May 31 closing date.
Jeff Copeland, the general manager of the country club, said that Altadena Valley’s golf course is now available for the public to play. The club will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well.
Since the announcement that Altadena Valley will be closed, Copeland said at least 25 of its 285 members will be leaving at the end of March. More are likely to leave in April, and the club won’t be financially able to stay open through May without enough membership revenue. He hopes opening the club’s course to non-member golfers will make up for this loss.
“Of course we’re not reacting well to it. It’s very sad,” Copeland said when the plans went public in mid-March.
Copeland is one of about 20 year-round Altadena Valley employees who are currently searching for new jobs. He wants to keep the club doors open as long as possible, both for members and to give his coworkers more time to line up new employment.
Fees for the course are $44 with a cart during the week and $59 on Saturday and Sunday. Golfers who walk instead can play for $25 during the week, $25 after noon on Saturday and $44 on Sunday. Call 967-5322 ext. 1 for tee times.
