RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WFLA) -- After 21 years, Ace Golf will be turned into a 24-hour emergency medical center and single-family homes.
The property currently houses an outdoor batting cage, an 18-acre golf practicing range, and an 18-hole miniature golf that opened in 2003. The owner, Bill Place, announced it's closing Wednesday.
17-year-old Nick Huska just started getting back into golf.
"I came here when I was a little kid with my Grandpa a lot. These are actually his clubs that I'm hitting with," said Huska.
He lives near Ace Golf and spent many birthdays and weekends there. He'll hold on to those memories since learning the business is closing in May.
"I'll just miss this place," said Huska.
Place said the property value is pretty good.
"Since I'm retiring it feels good to have the income but I feel sad because I see so much of this is great for our community having the recreation," said Place. "There wouldn't really been a fight because there's such a big difference between the value of the property and what it would be worth as a business ongoing."
Place said the developers are bringing in a 24-hour emergency medical center, medical offices, and single-family homes. A trend seen all over the state.
"Unfortunately, driving ranges are kind of going the way of drive-in movie theaters," said Place. "I own a golf course that's closed and we are trying to convert to residential. It will happen more."
He said there were concerns about traffic issues with the development and the lack of greenspace potentially contributing to flooding. Place said the developers listened, and while some people in the community support what's coming, not everyone is a fan.
"I think keeping places in business like this are probably more important than building more houses or hospitals right here at this point," said Huska.
Place said he's very grateful for the last 21 years.
"I started this business on my own and we've had so much support from all the people around us," said Place.
Ace Golf will stay open until May 4th. Place said the developer will own the property by May 22nd, and their construction is expected to take one and a half to two years.
