High Pointe "Won't Open" in 2009

Another golf club bites the dust (apparently): The Traverse City (Mich.) Record-Eagle reports here that the High Pointe GC in Williamsburg will not open in 2009.

The story is really just a confirmation of the rather terse message (also reported by our colleague John Strege on his "Local Knowledge" blog) on High Pointe's website: "Due to difficult economic times in the country, especially Michigan, we have decided not to open High Pointe Golf Club for this 2009 golf season."

At first glance, the wording of the message makes one think High Pointe might just be taking the year off. But then you remember: Healthy golf clubs with a bright future don't take years off.

High Pointe was one of the first designs of architect Tom Doak -- and at least the third of his courses to shut down in recent months. Last month, Apache Stronghold GC, located two hours from Scottsdale, closed "temporarily." And in December, Beechtree GC in Aberdeen, Md., was shut down.

-- G.R.