The end of 2012 brought the end of an era Monday as golfers played their last round at The Lion Golf Club of Bremen. “I am writing this letter to regretfully inform you that as of Jan. 1, 2013, The Lion Golf Club will be closing,” owner Jodi Newbern wrote in a Facebook post. “My lease will expire on Dec. 31, 2012. I have been in lengthy negotiations concerning the future of the golf course, and at this time, it is apparent that no agreement will be reached. In the past 11 years, I have tried to give you a great golf course at an affordable rate. The past year and a half, this has been done solely by my expense. I truly appreciate your continued support.”

Newbern could not be reached for further comment before the press deadline.

Bremen Mayor Sharon Sewell said she was sad to see the golf course go.

“Certainly, we are deeply saddened by the closing in The Lion Golf Club. The course has been a wonderful asset to the quality of life here, but we want to do our part to see if the page can be turned to continue this great legacy. For several years, The Lion hosted the Newbern Memorial Golf Tournament, honoring Eddie and Jane Newbern [the original owners], and the proceeds fully funded the Newbern Memorial Soccer Field.”

Bremen City Manager Perry Hicks also said The Lion was a “very valuable asset to the city of Bremen; a beautiful course.”

Tallapoosa City Manager Phillip Eidson said that golfing appears to be down in many areas of the country, including Tallapoosa, due to the economy. He said he felt that may have been the case at The Lion.

The announcement brought an avalanche of comments on Facebook.

“Very unfortunate. A sad day,” Wes Griffin posted.

“Hope someone will be able to buy it at a good price, open it back up and get it in the shape it was intended. Great asset to the town, and to the kids of Bremen,” Hugh Norton commented.

“What a great facility started by a group of great people years ago,” said Bernie Collins. “Bremen is going to miss such a wonderful and beautiful place to enjoy golfin!”

The Lion is a par 72 course at 400 Murphy Industrial Blvd. in Bremen. The course is an Arthur Davis signature design, boasting “3 of the best finishing holes in the state of Georgia,” according to the course’s website.

The course has a pro shop, driving range and putting green.

In addition to The Lion, Arthur Davis Architects, LLC of Atlanta has built numerous golf courses in Georgia and Alabama, including the expansion to 18 holes of the Talley Valley Municipal Golf Course in Tallapoosa, Stonebridge Municipal Golf Course in Rome, Pebblebrook Course in Woodbury, Fields Ferry Golf Club in Calhoun, Cross Creek Golf Club of Atlanta and Heatherwood Golf Club of Birmingham.