Golfers who thought they’d never be able to play again at a Delaware golf course are getting a mulligan.
The president of the Jonathan’s Landing Golf Course in Magnolia, which sits south of the state capital of Dover, had announced a Dec. 31, 2025, closure along with the pub and events venue, but now, daily fee golf will continue.
“I have decided to temporarily postpone that date for an undetermined period of time,” said Bill Kriss, president and executive trustee, in the announcement on the company’s website.
The company isn’t selling memberships or scheduling events for 2026 at this time, but the golf course is open to the public, weather permitting.
JB’s Pub is open inside the clubhouse, serving food and drinks, but no events are being booked for the hall that formerly hosted weddings, receptions, parties and banquets.
Kriss said he’s held discussions over the past several weeks and “carefully evaluated a range of options for the future of the golf course,” but “there are no final decisions regarding what the eventual outcome may be.”
“As I have shared from the beginning, I remain committed to doing what is best for everyone involved – including our golfers, neighbors, community members, and all who have supported Jonathan’s Landing over the years,” he said.
Set to shut its doors Dec. 31, the golf course is now open “temporarily”
Set to shut its doors Dec. 31, 2025, the golf course has announced it will remain open for daily fee golf “temporarily” in 2026, weather permitting
Kriss said he’s asked the management team to remain in place.
On Jan. 6, general manager and PGA pro Chad Craft wasn’t immediately available to answer questions about the golf course, but the staff member answering the phone confirmed that golfers are booking tee times, and the pub is open. A phone message and email message were left for Craft.
Closure of Jonathan’s Landing first announced in November
Kris initially announced the plan to shut down on the company’s website and Facebook page on Nov. 17, 2025.
“After careful consideration, it has become clear that continuing operations in the current form is no longer sustainable. Due to the financial realities of Jonathan’s Landing and the significant effort required to alter its course, those responsible for the club have made the difficult decision to cease operations at the end of this year,” Kriss said.
Before making the decision, he brought in “one of the most respected golf course management consultants on the East Coast to take a thorough look at our operation and explore possible ways forward.”
“The report was comprehensive and thoughtful, offering a range of ideas to help strengthen the course’s financial position. But it also detailed the significant and ongoing investment required to maintain the level of quality our members and guests deserve,” Kriss said.
As for what will happen next, Kriss said, “If a serious offer comes forward to purchase the property as a golf course, I will certainly consider it,” but nothing has been decided.
History of Jonathan’s Landing Golf Course
Kriss’ father-in-law, John “Jack” Beiser, designed and built the course, which opened in 1996.
“The clubhouse that once stood at Delaware Bay completed his vision,” the website said.
Before he died in 2021, Beiser “enjoyed watching a recent resurgence at Jonathan’s Landing, and the renovations he was making at his beloved golf course. He was often found with a wide smile while sitting at a table in the café at Jonathan’s Landing, greeting the familiar faces of golfers and friends.”
Kriss said, “We are proud of what we’ve built and grateful for all of you who have been part of its story. We truly did the best we could.”
He thanked the staff, saying “their dedication, care and pride in the course have carried Jonathan’s Landing farther than it could have gone otherwise.”
Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate and development news. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com.