WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - After a consistent deficit, the seven BREC golf courses are under review by Baton Rouge Parish Recreation and Park Commission officials.

The review could bring some changes, including the "repurposing" of one or more courses. BREC Communications Director Cheryl Michelet says one course could be turned into a practice facility.

"Everything is on the table, however, we never want to close anything," said Michelet.

The seven-figure deficit has been a burden since 2007, when the rounds played per year dropped considerably.

"Everybody I talk to, the membership and the play is down," said golfer Jim Lambert. "I think it's just the economy more than anything."

BREC is looking to trim costs and increase revenue. To help bring more money to the courses, BREC is innovating ways to attract more women and younger people to the game.

Regular golfers told News 2 they're nervous about losing their favorite course.

"If we lose it, I don't know what'd I'd do," said Lambert.

The 2012 budget predicts and $800,000 deficit for the 2012.