Questions (Carthage & Dismal)

[Steve_Roths]

First one is Matt's statement on another thread:

"The Dismal River layout is far from bringing down the immediate region as you state -- frankly -- I believe the future plans that DR is contemplating will accelerate the interest of a great many golfers who likely would never be able to access the area for a whole host of reasons."

Matt or Anyone- does this mean public courses at Dismal?  I ask because I am trying to figure out what the hell these guys are doing.  I have heard in various circles that they are putting $20mm into this thing and I just can't figure out why or how they are going to get a return on their investment.


My second question is the new private course that Coore and Crenshaw are doing in Pinehurst.  Is this the Carthage club?  I am guessing this is a stretch but thought I would ask.  Here is the list of their new slate of courses:

In Planning or Under Construction

The Tribute (construction to begin in late 2005) Bend, Oregon

Sugarloaf Mountain (construction underway) Orlando, Florida

Spring Valley; Aspen, Colorado (construction to begin Spring, 2007)

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico (construction to begin Winter, 2007)

The Bahamas (construction to begin January 2007)

Pinehurst (18 holes, Private, construction to begin early 2008)

Palmetto Bluff; Bluffton, S.C. (18 holes to begin in mid-2008)

[Tom_Doak]

Wow, that's the most courses they've ever done in a short period.

I envy that they have their construction schedule lined up so far in advance -- half of my prospective clients are the dreamer type, never know for sure when (or if) they are going to break ground.

But, the good news is that Bill and Ben are fully booked for two more years, so I don't have to compete with them for any of the people who are calling us right now!

[Tommy_Naccarato]

Steve,
Carthage club is the course Ran dreams of building in the sandhills of North Carolina.

IMHO, and I think Ted Sturges will agree with me that he is full of Rice Carolina....

[Gary Daughters]

I think Ran said the Carthage bubble burst when stocks did same.

[cary lichtenstein]

What's the story on Spring Valley? Where is it?

[Jerry Kluger]

Steve: When we are at DR it was explained to us that the facility will include a second 18 hole course plus a clubhouse with many amenities, stocked trout ponds, fly fishing, etc., and at that time you could purchase a national equity membership for $25K with very reasonable dues.  They said that is the lowest membership you can find for a Nicklaus Signature course.  I don't think Matt meant to say that it would be public but access to SH is very limited so here's your alternative.  Don't forget that Wild Horse is under $50.