Elkins Ranch Golf Course http://www.elkinsranchgc.com in Fillmore, a sporty layout which has been in operation for nearly 60 years, will be permanently closed on Sept. 7, the Elkins Ranch Company announced.
The course, nestled between orange groves, reopened last month after being closed since March 21 because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“With careful consideration, the company has made the very difficult, but necessary decision to close our golf course,” reads a statement on the Elkins Ranch Golf Course’s Facebook page. “After two decades of declining play and ever-increasing expenses, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors has determined that the company can no longer remain viable with the golf course as the core of its business model.
“Elkins Ranch Company is a family owned business that was founded in 1930, with farming as its sole endeavor. With the closure of the golf course, the company will return to its agricultural roots. We are extremely grateful for the public’s support and patronage over the years, particularly our local patrons from Fillmore and the Santa Clarita Valley.
We are also very grateful for the outstanding staff that has made Elkins Ranch Golf Course such a special and welcoming place.
“We will truly miss the personal contacts, friendships and camaraderie of our customers, employees and vendors. We want to express our deep appreciation for our staff, our customers, and our community as we move into this new era.”
Elkins Ranch Golf Course, which was designed by William H. Tucker and opened in 1962, is located off Highway 126 about 15 miles off Interstate 5. The course is framed against the backdrop of the Sespe and San Cayetano Mountain ranges in Ventura County.
Five lakes come into play on nine holes and several elevated tees offer breathtaking scenery, especially on No. 17, a 440-yard par 4, which offers an incredible view of Heritage Valley.
The tee shot on the signature 17th hole carries 110 yards downhill to the fairway.
The course measures 6,303 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 71, with a course rating of 70.6 and a slope rating of 122.
Elkins Ranch also is famous for its tasty hamburgers in the snack shop, which is now closed. Many locals would come to the course for a burger even on days when they were not playing golf.
While you can’t get a burger, the unique Elkins Ranch golf experience still will be available throughout the summer.
