Greg, how in this economy could Diamante go totally private?
Seems like a perfect complement to Cabo Del Sol, but would have a hard time playing Diamante everyday. The wind can be so punishing. I think the GCA crowd will love Diamante, but I wonder if 'retail' golfers will be able to handle the test.
Tim, The real question is how could they not. Quite frankly they will not dig out of the financial hole 2, 3 or even 500 dollars at a time. Sell a few lots and a handful of memberships (OK let's call it 20-25) and you keep the bankers happy. Quite frankly as a public operation these days break even is about what one can hope for. That is just considering operational costs and nothing more. Does not work.
The other thought process is that selling land and "the promise of the experience" around a purely public course is not that attractive to the few folks who are looking for a first class club experience.
Combine the factors and the decision is not that difficult really. If they sell 2 -3 extra lots by going private they are ahead of the game, quite a bit ahead in fact.
As for the wind factor I have heard pretty much every comment you care to imagine. Here is an exchange I heard at Cabo del Sol last week referring to Diamante: "that place is horrible, wind blowing non-stop... I'm never going back" to which the other party responded, "i thought it was great, the wind was pretty tough but I can't wait to go back, in fact we are playing again tomorrow."
Come to think of it the latter did look a bit like Ran Morrisette!!!