Capital City Country Club is asking to end its long-time lease with the city of Tallahassee in order to purchase the golf course property outright. The club’s leadership believes ownership would stabilize its finances, allow access to loans, and fund long-term improvements.
The request comes after years of financial struggles, including declining membership and costly storm damage from last year’s tornadoes. Renovations at competing clubs such as Seminole Legacy and Killearn Estates have also drawn away members.
The property includes the 18-hole course, a storage building, and an equipment building. An appraisal commissioned by the club valued the site at $1.15 million. City commissioners will take up the proposal at their September 17 meeting, where they will consider authorizing the city manager to conduct an appraisal and prepare a potential sale plan.
Club officials say the current 99-year lease restricts their ability to secure outside funding. Full ownership would allow the facility to pursue loans and investments needed to modernize infrastructure and upgrade the course. Planned improvements include bringing the course up to NCAA standards, which could lead to a partnership with Florida A&M University’s golf team. The club also believes that upgrades would help attract new members and boost economic activity near downtown Tallahassee.
Founded in 1908, Capital City Country Club is one of Florida’s oldest courses and has long been a community hub for golf, swimming, tournaments, weddings, and other events. Its clubhouse was designed by noted architect Albert W. Tillinghast and the course is part of Florida’s Historic Golf Trail.
The property also carries a complex history. It was once part of the Edward Houstoun Plantation, and research indicates that at least 23 unmarked graves of enslaved people are located on the grounds. A committee began work in 2021 to install historical markers to honor those buried there.
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