DeSoto residents urge city council to change Thorn Tree Golf Club ownership

The DeSoto City Council meeting on June 17, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding the future of Thorn Tree Golf Club, with residents expressing concerns about its declining condition and the need for new ownership.

Several community members, including long-time residents and club members, voiced their dissatisfaction with the current management of Thorn Tree Golf Club, which has reportedly seen a steady decline in facilities and services since the current ownership took over around 2015. Speakers highlighted that the club, once a premier destination in the Metroplex, has not received necessary maintenance or investment, leading to a deterioration of both the clubhouse and the golf course.

Pat and Bob Benjamin, residents of the Enclave at Thorne Tree, emphasized their love for the club and the surrounding community. They noted that the decline in the club's quality has led to friends moving away from DeSoto, which they found disappointing. They expressed hope that the city’s involvement could attract new ownership and restore the club's value to the community.

Jim Johnson, another long-time member, echoed these sentiments, stating that the club was once a gem of DeSoto and could be revitalized with the right management. He warned that if the current ownership remains, the club could fall beyond repair, negatively impacting the city.

The discussions underscored a collective desire among residents for the city council to take action regarding the future of Thorn Tree Golf Club, with many believing that new ownership could revitalize the facility and enhance its contribution to the local economy and community life. The council's next steps in addressing these concerns remain to be seen, but the urgency expressed by residents indicates a strong community interest in the club's future.