International Falls: Future of The River Golf Course Uncertain

Citizens and city officials say efforts to buy or re-open the course have been unsuccessful.

The golf season is in full swing, but the future of the only golf course in the city of International Falls remains uncertain. The privately owned course has not opened yet, and community members searching for answers say they are concerned.

Nestled along the Rainy River in International Falls sits the 18-hole River Golf Course, used by longtime golfers, athletic teams, locals and beyond.

The course is also used to hold events that help raise funds for a range of causes and programs. But this season, golfers are wondering if they’ll putt on home greens, or have to play at the next nearest course across the Canadian Border.

Last summer the Rainy River basin suffered immense flooding and the course was in its wake. A Facebook post by the golf course in June said at the time that portions of the course were drenched in rainfall and that, “with everything going on with the flood we have been struggling with business and we have decided to change our hours until further notice.”

Local golfers say because of the flooding, two holes were shut down temporarily last year, but that the driving range remained closed for the season.

This spring and summer new signage has been posted stating, “No Trespassing” and “Privately Owned.” The course has not opened yet, and there is no word on if, or when, it will.

The course has been privately owned by Jordan Pearson since 2016. According to a commercial real estate listing site, the course was put back up for sale in 2018. It’s unclear how long the golf course was up for sale. Pearson declined several requests by FOX21 to be interviewed for this story.

Supporters of the course say Pearson has declined to say if the course is still for sale or not. However, that didn’t stop a group of community members earlier this year from taking the plunge, gathering funds, and trying to put together a deal in hopes of buying the course.

One group member, who asked that FOX21 not use his identity, said that he approached two members of the International Falls Economic Development Authority, asking the Authority to help with the buy. Development Authority member Mike Holden confirmed to FOX21 that he and another Authority member were asked to help with the purchase.

Holden, also an International Falls At-Large City Council member, said he and another Authority member went ahead and developed a loan plan. Holden said they were about to bring that plan to the rest of the Authority for approval, but that a purchase agreement between Pearson and the prospective buyers fell through.

Councilor Holden said he doesn’t know why the sale failed, but said that Pearson told him that without a sale the course would not operate.

Those who would normally golf on the course have now made other plans, and that includes the Broncos golf team. While preparing for meets, for practice the team spent the majority of its season hitting golf balls behind the high school. According to Broncos Athletic Director Bill Mason, they reached an agreement mid-season across the border in Canada to hold practices at the Herron Landing Golf Course in Fort Frances, Ontario.

Despite not having a golf course of their own, the Broncos ended the season on a high note. Bronco girls golfer Kelby Anderson finished out her season this week at the Minnesota state championship.

Kelby travelled south to Jordan, Minnesota to compete in the Class 2A individual competition. Kelby tied for 18th place.