Campbell Hall, NY — After more than seven decades of welcoming golfers, hosting weddings, and serving as a staple of the Hudson Valley social scene, the Otterkill Country Club has filed for bankruptcy and is now up for sale.
The 136-acre property, which first opened its doors in 1957, has long been known not only for its sprawling golf course but also as a beloved venue for community events, charity tournaments, and elegant celebrations. But like many golf courses across the country, Otterkill has struggled to stay afloat in an era where the sport’s popularity continues to decline.
The Changing Landscape of Golf
The once-prestigious game of golf is no longer the draw it used to be. From steep membership fees to the sheer amount of time it demands, golf has slowly lost its appeal to the modern American.
“People just don’t have the time or interest anymore,” one industry observer noted. “Weekends that used to be spent on the green are now packed with youth sports, family obligations, and errands.”
The high costs associated with country clubs and the growing influence of remote work culture have also played a role. In decades past, many business deals were sealed over 18 holes. Today, those same meetings are happening over Zoom, leaving clubhouses quieter than ever before.
Otterkill Country Club Seeks a Buyer
Now, Otterkill Country Club is searching for a new chapter. According to Maltz Auctions, the property has officially entered the bankruptcy process and is being marketed for sale. The auction house is currently soliciting what’s known as “stalking horse bids”—a term referring to initial offers that set the baseline for competitive bidding.
The sale includes far more than just fairways. On offer is a 12,750-square-foot clubhouse featuring a full-service restaurant, bar, locker rooms, and a large catering hall. Additional facilities include a separate pro shop, a concession stand, several utility buildings, and restrooms scattered throughout the property.
Despite the bankruptcy, the club remains operational for now. Social media pages for the Otterkill Country Club show the restaurant still accepting reservations for a Mother’s Day brunch and promoting upcoming pilates classes set to run throughout the summer.
CEO Disputes “Rumors” Amid Financial Trouble
Back in January, Otterkill CEO Joe Betro attempted to calm concerns in a public message to club members. Responding to whispers about financial troubles, Betro called the chatter “rumors” likely spread by a “disgruntled former member or employee.” He insisted the club was on solid ground.
In the same message, Betro attributed the bankruptcy filing to financial strain brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of numerous weddings and events. The revenue shortfall, he said, made it difficult for the club to keep up with its mortgage payments.
“We were forced into this position not by a failing business model, but by circumstances outside of our control,” Betro explained. “Our plan is to come through this and remain an active part of the community.”
A Symbol of the Hudson Valley’s Evolution
The potential sale of Otterkill Country Club is emblematic of a broader shift across the Hudson Valley—and the country. As demographics change and consumer habits evolve, institutions that once seemed permanent are being forced to adapt, or shut down altogether.
Once a symbol of luxury, leisure, and success, many country clubs are now grappling with a future where fewer people see value in long days on the links or expensive annual dues. What happens next for Otterkill remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the club’s legacy, built over 70 years, won’t be forgotten easily.
What’s Next for Otterkill?
At present, the property is still taking reservations and maintaining operations. However, its long-term future will likely depend on who steps forward to purchase it—and what they envision for the 136-acre parcel.
Will it remain a golf course? Be transformed into a new type of venue? Or repurposed entirely for a different kind of development?
For the surrounding community and longtime members, the hope is that Otterkill can retain some part of its rich history, even as it prepares to enter a new chapter.
Stay tuned as more details emerge about the auction process and the fate of one of Hudson Valley’s most iconic recreational landmark.
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