FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — A well-known gold course in Franklin County could be on its last round.
South Mountain Golf Course has operated inside the Michaux State Forest since 1968, offering a quiet, walkable course in a beautiful mountain setting. However, the course's lease with the state expires in 2025 and a change could be coming.
"I'm shocked because it's such a beautiful course and it's such a great place to come and have a casual game," said Jason Miller from Hagerstown, Maryland.
Superintendent Andy George says DCNR informed him a change could be coming to the beloved course.
"This year we had a meeting," he told FOX43. "They said that they had decided that they were not going to renew the lease."
DCNR spokesperson Chris Novak says the land could be used for a new visitor center and increased historical signage while offering passage to a prominent rock formation.
"We do have increased visitation, that's creating a high degree of demand on every acre of the Michaux State Forest," Novak explained. "That has made us aware that continuing the size of the golf course may not be the best options for operations and visitor use opportunities."
Shippensburg native Fernando Moya is attending tonight's public meeting on the matter, voicing his displeasure.
"You'd be taking away something really important and for not a lot of good reason," he said.
"We had some people at the course that took it upon themselves to start petitions and put some signs out. Hopefully, if enough people show up, maybe something can go on," said George.
He says he was informed Wednesday night's meeting is more of a formality and that the state has already made its decision on the matter. DNCR did not give FOX43 a direct answer when asked if this was the case.