(SAN DIEGO, CA.) - Tecolote Canyon Golf Course is currently closed while San Diego replaces a major sewer line running through the property. The city-owned course, long known for its affordable fees, is also transitioning to a new operator, raising questions about costs and access when it reopens.
The course’s long-term lease with American Golf expired in 2022, after which it operated on a month-to-month agreement. American Golf, the previous operator, stopped running the course on Feb. 15 after the city ended its temporary agreement.
Instagram post by @tecolotecanyongc
Construction on the sewer project began in August 2025, but the course stayed open with limited access. In an Aug. 9, 2025 Instagram post, the city said work at Tecolote Canyon Golf Course was expected to last through spring 2026, with some holes closed as crews worked through the property.
Mark Mendenhall, leader of the Tecolote men’s club who plays three times per week, said the sewer project had a major impact. “The water project going right through the middle of the course made it no longer profitable to the leaseholder. Only having 9 holes open and the range for months, then a full closure for up to another 6 months to a year was tough for American Golf to keep leasing it. I think that’s understandable.”
The city formally ended its agreement with American Golf in January 2026, issuing a termination notice as the project expanded to impact the entire course.
City officials say the lease was terminated due to the scale of the construction project and plans to bring in a new operator after repairs are complete. They emphasized that the course will remain a golf course after construction, despite the new lease process.
Instagram post by @jencampbelld2
Some golfers have expressed concern that a new lease could raise fees, though city officials say the process is a standard business procedure.
The changes at Tecolote are part of a citywide effort to better manage its golf courses. The City of San Diego owns 11 golf properties and leases eight to private and nonprofit operators. On Feb. 11, the City Council received a performance audit reviewing these leases and identifying ways to maximize revenue and improve oversight.
The audit found leased courses brought in $34.7 million in operator revenue in 2024, while the city collected just $3.7 million in rent. Tecolote contributed about $735,000, well below other courses. Many leases, including Tecolote’s, have expired but remain in effect. Some are based on outdated terms that don’t reflect current market rates or require upgrades. Leased courses often lack performance reporting and are inspected only once every 3.4 years, creating maintenance and public-use risks.
Mendenhall said, "American Golf was only on a month-to-month and did not take care of or improve the course or clubhouse. Things got worse with them in control of it. I think the city could have been more active in overseeing what was happening at the course.”
The city could use the audit’s recommendations to negotiate higher rents or require improvements, which could affect fees and amenities. Supporters of rebidding say the city should demand more investment and stronger returns from public assets, while critics warn that higher rates could make courses less affordable for regular players.
During the meeting, local resident Mandy Havlik said, “I want to emphasize the course's value as a cost-effective, accessible open space for residents, particularly seniors, for recreation and community connection. Revenue increases should not compromise public participation.”
Photo Credit: City of San Diego / Audit Committee Meeting
Mendenhall emphasized what he and fellow golfers hope to see in the future. “Most people just want it to come back as a golf course. It is a historically built and designed gem of San Diego, and it has the potential to be one of the top Executive courses in the country again. Great location too. I’m hoping they will improve the course conditions and clubhouse. And not raise the prices dramatically.”
City officials say the course will reopen once construction is finished and a new operator is in place, leaving players waiting to see what public golf at Tecolote will look like.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at jenny.r@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below.
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