After 33 years of operation, Dauphin Highlands Golf Course in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, closed its doors on Monday (October 12), as plans to transform the site into a data center move forward. The 228-acre property, sold in August 2025 for $45.6 million, will become an AI data center, marking a significant change for the community.
Mike Danilowichz, a long-time visitor, expressed his sadness over the closure, saying, "It's the end of an era." He and his friends have played there for decades, creating lasting memories. Six-year-old Laureli Maulden also visited for a final round, recalling Saturday mornings spent golfing with her father.
The golf course, which opened in 1995, has been a source of pride for the community. Todd Lebo, a nearby resident, said, "When people would say, 'Where do you live?' I could say, 'well, we have a beautiful golf course.'" However, not everyone is pleased with the upcoming development. Lebo and others have voiced concerns about the impact of the data center, but Swatara Township Commissioner Tom Connolly stated that the township cannot reject the development if it meets zoning and planning requirements.
The sale of the property was part of a plan to address the golf course's $13 million debt. The Dauphin County General Authority stated that the sale would provide substantial tax benefits to the community, including $120.3 million in contributions for township projects and services. These include $38 million for a joint police and fire headquarters and $24 million for a second public safety facility.
Despite the financial benefits, some residents, like Lebo, feel that the quality of life is being compromised. "They're looking at money over quality of life," he said. Golfer Ed Wagoner acknowledged the changes, stating, "Being an older gentleman, things change, things move on, but I guess it's progress."
The course's legacy remains significant, with many reflecting on its impact. Doc Greenlee, a PGA associate, shared his connection to the course, saying, "I owe a lot to this course and it's sad to see it go." The transformation of the site into a data center represents a new chapter for the community.