The closing of the Karsten Golf Course is planned to happen in May, and the first development on the property by Arizona State University will be multi-purpose athletic fields for student use.

The golf course, which features 18-holes, was designed by Pete Dye, and it opened in 1989. It’s now a part of the Novus Innovation Corridor being planned by ASU.

ASU golf teams have moved to the Papago Golf Course. The Papago Golf Course is five miles away from the Tempe campus.

There are commemorative events being planned for the course’s closing. They’ll include a final round of golf and a dinner for course creators.

The Heather Farr stature that was located at the Karsten course has been moved to Papago, and it’ll be placed next to other memorabilia celebrating Karsten. One of the entrances to Papago, the 52nd Street, is being names Karsten Way.

“We’ve been privileged to be associated with the ASU Karsten Golf Course for the last 30 years. Together with some of the other contributors, including Solly Sollenberger, Bob and Karen Hobbs and Keith Turley, our family wanted to help provide the ASU men’s and women’s golf teams a premier facility to attract top collegiate players,” says John A. Solheim, the PING chairman and CEO and the son of Karsten Solheim.

“That goal was far exceeded as both programs have prospered and continued to produce some of the greatest players in the game. While we’re saddened the course will no longer be enjoyed by golfers from around the world, it remains important to Karsten’s legacy and we’re excited to be part of ASU’s commitment to the amazing new facility at Papago. They’ve done an incredible job with The Thunderbirds Golf Complex that will elevate the ASU golf programs even higher.”

According to the eventual plan for the Novus Corridor, the Sun Angel Track Stadium and Whiteman Tennis Center will be moved to the Athletics Village area. There are also plans to build additional athletic facilities on the property.