After buying a golf course a decade ago, a Texas school district might flip it due to rising costs

Back in 2014, the La Joya Independent School District near McAllen, Texas — just a few miles from the Mexican border — purchased Martin Valley Ranch Golf Course for the price of $5 million and converted it into Howling Trails Golf Course.

In recent years, neighbors have noticed the conditioning of the course has slipped and then came word earlier this year that the district was looking to unload the property.

Golf course neighbor Roy Martinez told KRGV-TV last summer that he’s fine with the sale, as long as the space is maintained at a golf course.

“Maybe the new owner will take better care of it,” Martinez said, adding that he worries new owners would turn the land into something else.

“As long as they keep the contract right, the 25 years, I’m happy with that no matter who buys it,” Martinez said.

Martinez is referring to the purchase contract of the property, which states the land must remain a golf course for at least 25 years.

But some think it’s possible that the area could be converted into something other than a golf course, and those who live in the half-dozen 55-plus communities in the surrounding area are worried it could change their quality of life.

In a statement to Channel 5 News, the district said they’re working with legal and real estate experts to sell the course without violating their contract.

“Maintaining the golf course has become increasingly costly, creating a financial strain on the district and diverting funds that could better support educational programs and student services,”  the district said in the statement.

The golf course opened for play in 1984.