Santa Maria’s Sunset Ridge Golf Center to Close

The sun is setting on Santa Maria’s only 9-hole public golf course.

After 20 years of convenient, low-cost golf and fantastic food, Sunset Ridge Golf Center will soon be closing for good.

The owner and lease-holder of the 28 acre property next to the Santa Maria Airport says he’s eager to get out of the golf business which he says has been slow for several years despite charging green fees of only $10 or $12 for all day golf.

The Sunset Ridge driving range remains popular for people of all ages and skill levels.

People who work nearby often come and hit range balls during their breaks.

The biggest hit has been the Sunset Grill restaurant which attracts large breakfast and lunch crowds with its great food and huge portions.

Golfers were surprised and saddened to hear about the pending closure.

“It’s sad because its convenient, a lot of people need the small course especially one that is nearby”, says Sunset Ridge regular Lee Kyser.

“That bums be out”, said another man who identified himself as Shannon, “its convenient, I work really close, I come here and have lunch or after work and hit balls.”

Negotiations are underway to terminate the lease for the Sunset Ridge Golf Center which sits on Santa Maria Airport District property in order to make way for a 182,000 square foot FedEx Ground distribution facility on 21 acres approved by the Santa Maria City Planning Commission.

The sprawling new FedEx Ground facility is expected to generate hundreds of new jobs.

The Sunset Ridge Golf Center owner, who declined to be interviewed on camera for this story, says he has not yet decided on a final day for the golf course, driving range and restaurant.

He says its likely to happen after Christmas for the sake of his employees.

He also says he’s looking for a new location in town to move his Sunset Grill restaurant.