Firstly, to clarify my involvement — Our office was asked to look at the agronomics and to suggest some remedies. The request came through a contact who has been working with the tribal community on other (non golf) matters. My tendency was to pass the request onto a group I work with here in the West, and to avoid the two hour drive. But, having not seen the course in a few years, I figured it would be enlightening and interesting. It was.
It was late last week that we heard it closed, yet a few weeks ago that the appointment had been made. So, it was a surprise when I got the news about the shut-down.
My take is that the tribal leaders simply want to start fresh — to get the right employees and budgets in place so they do not endure the bad conditions and reputation that had plagued the course over the past several years. This is coming from new management — and I found it quite refreshing.
Tom D. — Your reputation is intact. There was a general like of all you did there. The complaints seemed to be aimed at lack of civil engineering ("none" as I heard it explained) and the trouble with turf varieties that were apparently specified by third party consultants. Everyone loves the design, routing and strategy. I made it clear that I was there only to make introductions.
My sole suggestion was that they sell all of the out-of-place palm trees that form the backdrop to the 18th hole — this seemed to get some traction and I am trying to find a buyer for them!
To my knowledge their only focus is to figure out how to move forward — and stop losing money on the golf operation. I could go into the reasons it has lost money, but I think one could form their own guesses based on the discussions here. I am very encouraged. It would be great to see the course re-opened to great fanfare and — finally — as good of condition as the design deserves.