A 2019 subsidy of $806,000 for Highland Park Golf Course in Highland Hills sparked debate last Friday among members of Cleveland City Council over whether it is a good use of tax dollars.
The expense prompted some council members to question whether the City should be in the golf business, particularly for a course that isn’t located in Cleveland proper.
Other council members mentioned race as a justification for subsidizing the golf course. West-side councilman Matt Zone defended the course as a place where people of color can play.
“Golf has traditionally been a white man’s sport,” Zone said. “This particular golf course is the black man’s country club. They golf there because they feel like they are at home.”
