FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. -- The historic golf course that has served as the centerpiece of Fort Meade since 1950 is scheduled to close May 1, 2012. The date of closing was moved forward to accommodate deadlines associated with major construction projects which will occupy the land.

Closure of the remaining 27 holes of the golf course was anticipated, but not expected until September 2012. Garrison officials are aware that members and daily golfers on The Courses will miss an opportunity to enjoy one last season of play on the course.

"I know the golf course will be missed," said Colonel Edward C. Rothstein, Fort Meade garrison commander. "It has served me along with the entire Team Meade community, helping our service members, civilian workers, retirees and families balance work and life activities. The loss of the golf course is an emotional issue. However, the decision to support national security, DoD priorities and our partners is not difficult."

Originally a 36-hole golf course with a driving range, putting green and club house, The Courses lost nine holes and its driving range due to BRAC expansion when the Defense Information Systems Agency and the Defense Media Activity headquarters buildings were constructed, leaving 27 playable holes.

Patronage of the remaining 27 holes drew more than 35,000 rounds of play last year including golfers who participated in 41 tournaments held at the course.

"We are in negotiation with golf courses in neighboring counties in the hopes that we can work out reciprocal agreements for our remaining golf club members," said Scott Myers, Chief of Business Operations for Fort Meade's Directorate of Family, Morale and Welfare which runs the golf course.

Currently, 33 employees work at the golf course, of those, 15 are seasonal workers who only work during the summer months. Myers said every effort is being made to place the grounds keepers, golf pros, catering managers and others into other jobs either with the installation, or to help them find positions at golf courses off post.

The club house will remain open and serve as a meeting and catering location, allowing some staff to keep their current jobs running those facilities.

Fort Meade Courses members have been receiving updates about the status of the golf course since the first BRAC announcement in 2005. Hopes of replacing the golf course through various financing methods continue to be explored, but shrinking defense budgets and fiscal realities are making the possibility of a new course look more remote.

"We aren't giving up," said Rothstein. "There are a lot of creative thinkers working toward the goal of moving this course to a location that has already been selected. That said, I want you to know that Meade is aggressively continuing efforts to find an alternative resolution to meet our community golfing requirements. Garrison leaders, civic and business leaders as well as many of our friends outside Fort Meade's gates are engaged in discussions that will help us find positive alternatives for the post community."

Rothstein said garrison staff is aiming their efforts toward a long term solution.

"Nothing is off the table. From building a new golf course on another location on post to possibly purchasing a local golf course, we're exploring many alternatives. In the short term, we are working to establish reciprocal agreements with county golf courses."

Fees from the golf course help fund repairs and improvements to buildings on the installation, such as child care and child development centers as well as service member and youth sports facilities. Replacing the golf course is an important part of the installation efforts to provide quality services to service members and their families without drawing on tax payer dollars for support.

The Courses of Fort Meade were actually two separate eighteen-hole golf courses. The Applewood course, designed by architect Maj. Robert B. McClure, opened in 1950. George Cobb, a recognized golf course architect who designed over eighty courses nationwide, designed The Parks course, which opened in 1956.

Every Fort Meade garrison commander since the opening of The Courses has hosted events on the course, which over the years, has entertained such famous players as President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lt. Gen. Floyd Parks.

Rothstein will host the final Commander's Cup Golf Tournament at the historic course on April 29.