Abandoned Greg Norman course up for sale… but it’s not cheap

If you’ve ever thought about buying a golf course designed by a multiple major champion, then you’re in luck.

However, we have some advice; remember to bring your wallet and take a lawnmower.

That’s because Greg Norman’s signature course outside Los Angeles has hit the market, but you won’t believe what it looks like.

The face of LIV Golf has enjoyed varying degrees of success in golf course design, despite shaping over 100 tracks worldwide.

From El Camaleon in Mexico to the Fire Course at Jumeirah in the UAE, Norman has designed some of the best. Unfortunately, others have struggled.

• Former tennis champion set for US Women’s Open

• Sergio Garcia’s US Open streak ends in heartbreak

A case in point is the former Golf Club of Vellano, designed as part of a luxury condo and villa development in California that finally bit the dust in 2018.

It faced financial battles since its inception in 2006 and all that you’ll find nowadays is the abandoned remnants of a 6,900-yard golf course spread across 269 acres.

Listed by LoopNet, the site in Chino Hills can be purchased for a whopping $17.5 million, which equates to $297 per square foot.

You’ll be glad to know that included in the price is the 46,000-square-foot, three story clubhouse which has a wedding venue tenant in place.

But if you don’t fancy that, the 262 Acres of Golf Land and Golf Maintenance buildings can be bought for a total of $10 million.

“Great Opportunity for a Golf Course Operator to renovate, revitalize and resurrect a once great Golf Club that has been decommissioned,” the listing reads.

“This Original Greg Norman Course offers over 269 acres of rolling hills, panoramic views, and boasts the perfect canvas for an upscale, membership only experience.

“The value in this opportunity is immense, not only from the land itself, but also, from an annual lease with Wedgewood Weddings for the 46,000-square-foot clubhouse.”

After a problematic tenure, the golf course was shut down without warning.

It closed on May 10, less than 24 hours after members of the homeowners’ association informed their board that they did not want residential development on the golf course.

Whatever happens to Vellano, owners of the 175 homes around the overgrown property look set to benefit.

Meanwhile, a 10,000-square-foot home within the course’s gated community is currently on the market for $5.5 million, with empty lots being offered for $1 million.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.