For those wondering about maintenance, that is a big part of what would be provided – a detailed manual worked out with the superintendent for the on-going up keep of the course. It is briefly discussed on the KIC website.
Tom Doak,
Our names are not listed because we are not the story. The story is Dan Bergman and his board who are trying to do something good for the game of golf (and putting lots of their own money which will surely be millions to do it). I will look to see where you are quoted but I’m guessing Dan got your quotes from what we published of our interview with you. Have you ever spoken with him?
Tom Paul,
I’ve tried to address some of the questions but no matter what I say, some people don’t seem to like the answers.
Mike C,
You should meet Forrest before you draw your conclusions. He's given more back to this game than most any other architect I've ever met.
Ronald,
One of the big issues with Mark Twain GC is that it apparently loses money and city officials need to do something such as try to sell it, shut it down, or it might turn into who knows what? Here is a quote from the Star-Gazette in Elmira, NY
"If the legislation fails, the city would have to look seriously at making investments in the golf course over time to enhance its playability and draw more golfers, Tonello said. "Golfing is a tough business, and we'd have to continue to market and expand and make the course appealing," he said. "That's going to cost money. We don't want to go there, but that's part of things that we're already discussing."
Tom W,
I’m tried to explain what our role is with KIC. Forrest and I are not employees. In some ways we are no different than an accounting firm that a non-profit would contract with or a law firm for their contracts and legal work or a marketing firm, etc. These are services/expertise that many non-profits don’t have in-house. They need us for what we have to offer and Dan talked to many others before making his decision. Who would you propose identifies/evaluates all the prospective courses that KIC could target, reviews all the proposals that get throw at them (and there are already many), and helps make sure they accomplish what they need to accomplish in an effective and cost efficient manner with their funds. Dan is a very successful trial attorney. He is not a golf architect but loves the game and wants to do something in his retirement that helps the game. Please note – KIC is NOT providing municipalities with money! They WILL NOT for example, give a city council $250K to go out on their own and build new tees. KIC will provide the work to get those tees built and gift the improvements to the community at no charge. They will not do this without close interaction with the municipalty. We don't just come in and start tearing things up! Remember, KIC is a registered 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) charity that provides services not funds.
Wayne,
You obviously don’t get it (which is not surprising) and have nothing positive to add so PLEASE go work on your infamous but never seen “Flynn Book” which you have mentioned 10,000 times here before I publish one before you.
Thanks again to those who have been sending IM's and emails. I would prefer if all the communication is in that manner. You would think this of all sites would embrace such a concept. Sad to see some don't but it is the same usual few "the Merion/Flynn bunch"