MADISON, Wis. — A Madison municipal golf course could someday be trashed to house… trash. 

In a meeting Tuesday night, the Madison common council voted to sell 230 acres of land at Yahara Hills Golf Course to the county, to become its next landfill. 

City leaders said the county’s current landfill, which is just across the street from Yahara, will be full by 2030. 

For golfers, anywhere they can get outside to play is a special spot. 

“It’s just a way to get outside and swing a club in nature,” said Jeff Hussong of Oregon. “I like golfing, but just to get out, enjoy being outside having a beer, some friends, some coworkers, that's what it is.” 

Learning how to play is often a cherished experience. Breyden Noble’s grandpa taught him. 

“He was my pastor growing up,” Noble said. “After church we would go and golf.” 

Staff said the farthest of the holes, 11-13, would be gone under this proposal. 

“Making it a landfill is going to be problematic for the course because of the smell,” Hussong said. “Plus, they're going to lose half their course.” 

Some staff said the course already smells “rancid” when the wind blows the wrong way. At the Tuesday night meeting, some residents said the odor of the current landfill isn’t under control, and don’t trust plans to make the new one better. 

“That really upset me, I really don’t see the point [of putting a landfill on the golf course],” Noble said. “It’s sad to know that this won’t be an option someday.” 

The city agreed to sell the land to the county, but the county has yet to accept it. This would be a long-term project with lots of planning; it’s by no means a final decision. The city has an “out” in 2024 to change course.