I don't have too much time to respond, but here are a few quick comments:
First of all thanks to those of you who have emailed suggestions and ideas. As some of you know who have contacted me, there is a lot more to this then just making the improvements to courses. In some ways, that is the easy part.
DMoriarity,
If you are not comfortable with suggestions, no problem. Give the organization a few years, let KIC get a few projects under their belt, and then make your conclusions if we've failed or succeeded.
Tom,
KIC will work with whom ever we deem appropriate. One aspect of my role and Forrest's is to help with those determinations. If a municipality says that the only way they will take KIC's support is if we hire Ben Crenshaw or XYZ architect, we will have to decide if that is the right thing to do and make a recommendation. If it is we'll do it. A more likely scenario might be that a large potential donor to KIC says, "I'm willing to give you $3MM to restore/improve a particular golf course, however, a particular architect or contractor must do the work. Again, if it makes sense, we'll do it. On KIC's first project (only planning work is done so far), we have been working with Bill Kubly and Landscapes as the contractor. We might or might not use someone else on the next course and might even partner with other architects if it helps the success of that particular project. The most likely situation KIC will encounter is that we will be working on courses that might close and turn into Walmarts or strip malls if we don't step in. They are depressed and likely won't ever see the funds needed to maintain them as golf courses. Mark Twain Golf Club could be one example of a course like this on our radar screen. I really don't think they are going to dictate who has to do the improvements, or which company's irrigation system we need to install, etc. if KIC jumps in to save it.
Mike N,
KIC's target is 2 or so courses a year (time will tell). As you can imagine, we have a lot of prospects. The reason for this post is for responses like Phil Young's. If there is someone out there that is already trying to do this like Bob, and KIC can help in some way with what he is trying to accomplish in Atlanta, great! If not, best of luck to them.
As for those who think this is a marketing campaign for Forrest, I suggest they contact the founder of KIC. Dan's heart is in the right place as is his wallet and instead of giving his money to the United Way or some other charity, he is going to do something unique as he thinks he can make a difference for golf and for kids. Give it some time before you get so negative and start looking for the positives.
Mark