It was like an oasis right in the middle of Fresno County's west side.
Head pro Michael Torres says a tough economy dried up the 160-acre course.
"Whether it's for gas prices going up, economy going bad, we had a tough year."
Torres says the owner, Louie Duran, had no choice by to sell it.
A local farming family will take ownership, and use the land to grow pistachios.
Many, like Bert Escobedo, are sad to see it go.
"Now it's closing. We don't know what to do. Had a friend of mine. He's a pastor. He felt like somebody died when he found out they sold the place."
The course opened in 1966.
The par 73 features 18 holes, and 7,000 yards of fairway.
While a poor economy led to the course closing, it's the same reason many play the course...
$15 gets you a round of golf, a cart, and a good time with your pals.
Bert Escobedo has been playing fresno west for the last 4 years.
When he retired, he says his health was poor.
But playing golf, and making new friends, is helping him get back in shape.
"Different kind of people you meet out here. It's a gentleman's game and everybody out here's a gentleman."
There's really nowhere else to play on Fresno County's west side.
Many of the golfers out here say they'll have to head to Madera Municipal for their next round of golf.
Fresno West has run its course, but thanks to the Duran family, Torres says it's legacy will be the friendships that were created through the game of golf.
"Got a lot of people involved in the game, which is good. But all great things come to an end."
Fresno West's last public tournament will be held this Sunday.
October 31st is the course's last day.
So, what's next for Javier's owner?
You'll likely find him at the restaurant he owns at Kings Canyon and Clovis bearing the same name.
TXT 24
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