Debt forces foreclosure of Jones Creek Golf Club

The Jones Creek golf club is being foreclosed on after a legal filing shows its owner owes more than $3 million.

Georgia Bank and Trust initially held the $3,023,909.48 debt - $2.6 million from an initial loan to Fairways International Clubs, LLC, and Jones Creek Golf Club, LLC; an additional $400,000 loan and $23,909.48 from an overdrawn checking account.

However, on Dec. 5, that debt was transferred to the newly-formed Jones Creek Joint Venture - a group of businessmen based in Aiken. That group may sell the golf course on the Columbia County Courthouse steps to the highest bidder on Jan. 7.

According to paperwork filed to publish a legal advertisement in The Columbia County News-Times, the foreclosure also seeks any legal fees related to the foreclosure.