CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx. — Plans for a new Carroll High School are forcing Corpus Christi's only public golf driving range to close.
"I'm a little disappointed and very sad," owner of Go Golf Driving Range Ina Hale said.
In late August, the owner of the land that Go Golf sits on told Hale that Corpus Christi ISD wanted to buy the property and that she and all of her equipment would have to move out by October 1. The last day of golf there was September 8. Hale says that closing her business so soon after opening it is going to cost her financially.
"It's a huge loss trying to be a business owner after one year," Hale said. "It usually takes one to three years. So, I'm in a big loss."
She estimates her losses may top $100,000. Among her expenses -- she has to pay to remove lights and the trailer that served as a club house from the property. Even with those losses, Hale says she supports CCISD, and she's not going to put up a fight to keep her driving range.
"The school's going to come in here," she said. "I support the school, so I'm going to back out."
The land Go Golf sits on is part of a 23 acre tract at Saratoga and Kostoryz that CCISD is trying to buy to complete the Carroll High School project. Already the district has bought 32 acres next to the driving range for $2.6 million. It's district policy not to discuss ongoing land deals. But no matter the cost, students who could be among the first to attend the new Carroll High, are looking forward to it.
"I'm just excited," freshman at the current Carroll High School Libni Garcia said. "We've had this Carroll for awhile now. I'm just ready. I'm pumped up."
The new Carroll High is scheduled to open in August of 2022 in time for the beginning of Garcia's senior year. The district anticipates breaking ground sometime before Thanksgiving this year.
Hale is now trying to figure out her next move. Opening a new driving range in a different location is an expensive option. She could also try to join a golf course as the course's pro. Regardless, she's clear about what her passion is.
"I'll always teach golf," Hale said.
