STOCKTON, Calif. — Heather McFarland takes a swing at the greens at Swenson twice a week.
"Oh, it's beautiful to be outside and the nature on the course is just gorgeous. And, it's challenging," said McFarland.
And McFarland will be challenged even more now that it appears the public golf course will stay open.
"It's a wonderful golf course and also a wonderful green space for Stockton. it really is a jewel of Stockton," added McFarland.
Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs says the city is in the midst of striking a deal with a private operator to take control of the nearly 70-year-old golf course.
Last May, the city publicly put out an open call for at least a 15-year lease to keep the greens going.
"And what's important is that as you have heard and seen the signs. There is a concerted community effort to 'Save Swenson,' to keep Swenson a golf course. And now we're one step closer to that goal," Tubbs told ABC10.
The city estimates it subsidizes Swenson for about $300,000 a year. That would end once a private operator takes over.
Keeping the property open has been anything but par for the course for Blair Hake. He has helped lead the grassroots "Save Swenson" effort.
"The proposal probably is good. But, the problem is nobody knows. Our city hall is not exactly transparent," said Hake.
Golfer David Scott welcomes the news that Swenson will stay on course.
"They upkeep it as much as they can. And it's just a great spot for the community to come and enjoy a nice round of golf," said Scott.
The mayor says no vote will take place on the pending deal at tonight's meeting. But, he does expect a vote sometime in April.
Tubbs says the city will soon focus more attention on what to do with the Van Buskirk Public Golf Course in South Stockton. And he says the community around it wants to re-purpose it into something else recreational other than golf.
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