City of Asheville sues Pope Golf for $340K in unpaid fees

According to a report from the Asheville Citizen Times, the city of Asheville, N.C., has filed a lawsuit against Pope Golf, the former operator of Asheville Municipal Golf Course.

The Citizen Times previously reported in August that the city was in talks with attorneys for Pope Golf CEO Keith Pope. According to the new report, talks stalled, resulting in the lawsuit.

The city of Asheville’s lawsuit reports “unacceptable conditions” including deterioration of bermudagrass fairways, destruction of a chipping/practice area and vegetation overgrowth.

According to Chris Corl, director of community and regional entertainment facilities for the city of Asheville, the $340,830 includes outstanding lease payments, including accrued interest. The lawsuit requests a jury trial and a judgment for compensatory damages.

On Oct. 1, Commonwealth Golf Partners took over management of the course in a seven-year agreement with the city.