The operators of Mulligan's Family Golf Center have pulled out, without giving any advanced notice to the township.

At a recent commissioners meeting, Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said Grange Drivers Inc. has not opened the public driving range it was leasing on Range Road.

Hozza said Raymond Frey and Leon Whitesell, the principal owners of Grange Drivers Inc., removed all their equipment and turned in one key.

"We can assume they do not intend to reopen the facility this season," Hozza said.

"In 2011, during the 'great recession,' the township administration recommended and the board of commissioners approved a new five-year lease that lowered the annual lease payment [for the golf center property] to the township," Hozza said.

The operators did not indicate their intention not to reopen. Had the operators given advance notice, the township may have been able to find another operator. However, it is already too late in the season to hire a manager and other employees and secure equipment. No money is budgeted for running the driving range.

"We have also uncovered that the connecting structure between the masonry restroom and equipment storage building and the check-in building needs to be demolished or rebuilt due to water damage. It would be unsafe to reopen the facility until the repairs are made to this structure," Hozza said.

Moving forward, the township will make repairs to the building, cut the grass, maintain the greens, clean the miniature golf course and go out to bid for a new operator for the 2014 season.

"Sadly, the facility will remain closed for the 2013 season," Hozza said.