Jade Greens to shut down this month

When the Hawk family opened Jade Greens Golf Course in Auburn in 1990, they thought it would be family business that would stand the test of time. For 26 years, the course was a popular 9-hole facility complete with driving range, clubhouse and practice area.

But now, time has caught up with the Hawk family and Jade Greens. Water issues and rising prices have forced Jade Greens to close its doors for good Nov. 27.

Course owner Jim Hawk said he is not sure what he will do with the property, which consists of 84 acres, including 20 acres of wetlands. “It’s become tougher and tougher to make the numbers work,” he said.

The family has owned the property since the 1960s and when his mother and father got the golf bug in the 80s, they decided to turn their property into a 9-hole golf course. Hawk’s father designed the course, which winds around the wetlands and features a couple of holes with alternative greens.

Hawk is making plans to sell the merchandise and equipment from the clubhouse and restaurant as well as the golf carts and everything that goes with the driving range.

Hawk said that what he will miss most about the golf course after shutting down is the experience he had with his employees and the customers, many of which have been coming to play Jade Greens for years and years.

In fact, the name of the course came from the Hawk’s jade collecting hobby.

“It’s sad that is has come to this,” said Hawk. “We thought we would be around for a long time with the course.”