Till April 2020 only chance to play Locust Valley Golf Course

or its devoted players, Locust Valley’s combination of playability and community kept them returning. Hallman has felt that demonstrated often in his five years at the course.

But before interviewing for the job, even Hallman thought the course was closing. It has been that way since 2004, when Locust Valley’s then owners agreed to a developer’s plan to convert the course into an age-qualified community.

That touched off disputes with Upper Saucon Township over sewage regulations, leading to two lawsuits that a federal judge dismissed in 2008. In 2012, Ashford, who had bought the previous owners’ bank notes, foreclosed on the facility and took over operations.

Ashford originally intended to continue operating Locust Valley as a golf course, planning upgrades that included a restaurant and driving range. In 2014 he sought $2.25 million from Upper Saucon for development rights, and the township offered $1.2 million. The parties did not agree on development rights, leading Ashford to make a deal with Traditions of America .

“Everybody comes in here asking, ‘When’s the last day? Are you sure this is it? Are you guys going to be open?’” Hallman said. “But every spring we get ready to go. So next spring, we’re going to get ready to go.”

Hallman said he wants people to know that “we’re still open, and we have a gameplan.” Course conditions are maintained normally under superintendent Mark Johnson, whom Hallman said has done an “amazing job” considering the weather and circumstances of the past few seasons.

“We’re going to stay open, as long as the weather allows us, until that last day,” said Hallman, who also manages the Ashford-owned Sheperd Hills. “We’re not changing anything.”

Hallman calls Zellner indispensable to Locust Valley, which Zellner tends to daily. During winters, he has hand-shoveled snow from greens that couldn’t be reached with equipment. If a stray cart is on the course at 8 p.m., he returns to the course to move it. Every night before going to bed, Zellner checks footage from the course’s security cameras.

Like Hallman, Zellner wants Locust Valley to have a proper send-off.

“I know I’m really going to miss the place,” Zellner said.