Del Lago Golf Club Closure: What Rancho Del Lago Homeowners Should Know

The recent closure of Del Lago Golf Club marks a significant change for Rancho Del Lago and the greater Vail community.

Del Lago Golf Club announced that the course would cease operations after 26 years, citing rising operating costs and decreasing demand. Local news outlets have reported on the closure and its impact on golfers, employees, nearby businesses, and residents. KGUN reported the closure announcement on August 6.

For Rancho Del Lago homeowners, particularly those whose homes overlook or adjoin the golf course, the announcement understandably raises questions about what may happen next.

At this time, however, there are more questions than answers.

The Rancho Del Lago Community Association has advised homeowners that it is aware of the closure and is working to obtain additional information from the golf-course owner. According to the HOA communication, the Board and management are scheduling a meeting with the owner and intend to provide additional updates as information becomes available.

What We Know

• Del Lago Golf Club has ceased golf operations.
• The owners have attributed the closure to rising costs and decreasing demand.
• The Rancho Del Lago HOA is actively seeking additional information from the golf-course owner.
• The golf-course property is privately owned, and portions of the property are held by Del Lago Golf LLC.
• Our preliminary review of public-record information shows that several parcels associated with the golf course are zoned SP — Specific Plan under Pima County. For example, Realist property records identify a 19.78-acre parcel and a 51.33-acre parcel owned by Del Lago Golf LLC as SP-zoned golf-course property.
• Other Del Lago Golf LLC parcels have different recorded descriptions, including common-area landscaping and “natural undisturbed open space.”

What We Do Not Know

At this time, there has been no verified announcement provided to us identifying a buyer for the golf course, a redevelopment plan, or an approved change in land use.

We also do not yet know whether another operator may purchase or reopen the golf course, whether portions of the property could ultimately be proposed for another use, or what approvals would be required for any future change.

Most importantly, it is too early to responsibly predict the effect of the closure on Rancho Del Lago property values.

Golf-course homes may be affected differently from homes elsewhere within the community, and the ultimate impact will depend heavily upon what happens with the property itself.

What Should Homeowners Do?

For homeowners considering selling, the closure should be treated as material information.

Long Realty Company has advised its agents that sellers who received the HOA notification should include a copy with their Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement and disclose the information to prospective buyers.

For everyone else, the best course of action right now is simply to stay informed and avoid reacting to rumors.

Social media will undoubtedly produce theories about housing developments, property values, future buyers, and what may or may not happen to the course. Until those claims are supported by the property owner, HOA, Pima County, or another authoritative source, they are speculation.

We’ll Continue Doing the Research

As real estate professionals who regularly serve Rancho Del Lago and Vail, we believe homeowners deserve more than rumors.

We are reviewing available property records, ownership information, zoning, and the Rancho Del Lago Specific Plan so that we can better understand what restrictions and processes may apply to the golf-course property.

As the HOA, golf-course ownership, Pima County, or other authoritative sources release additional information, we will share verified updates with our clients and community.