New Fazio course in Choudrant, LA "Squires Creek"

[Will E]

The ultimate in the fake faux.
I toured this course last week with the assistant super and he assures me that Fazio has moved almost no dirt here. Moving almost no dirt and spending $38 million must be a task. It is a spectacular property and I'm sure that when it opens in July that it will be the top course in the state (not saying a whole lot). What struck me as I toured the course is how it looks so manufactured even though I was assured it was not. The cart paths have been treated in salt water to give them a worn and cracked look. Fazio has been on property five times now and is claiming this is one of his best works. I'm told that it will compare with Augusta when complete, and with Faz on site at Augusta so much who could doubt it.

[Tim_Weiman]

Shooter:

I realize that there are situations where "tact" is called for, but I can't help wondering about your conversation with the assistant super.

Was this fellow on site during construction?

Did he seem to understand that $38 million is alot of money to spend, an almost unimaginable amount if there truly wasn't much dirt moved?

If so, did he happen to say what in the world cost so much money?

[Patrick_Mucci]

How much of the 38 million was for the acquisition of the land?

[Will E]

Tim,
Yes, the assistant super was on site during the construction (sodding). I think he's graduating from near by Louisiana Tech soon. He was very nice and it is not my intent by any means to make this a Fazio bashing post.  I'm guessing that the rumored $38 million being spent on this project is going into more than just the construction of the Squire's Creek course. Looking at the construction it was evident that cost is not an object. The assistant super told me that they've already redone a few greens that he thought were already done. Sodding a 7,100 yard course can not be cheap either. Also, on the sixth hole, a neat short par four, they've imported some beach white sand to line the creek with creating a "pine barrenish" waste area. I think Rick Harris? is Fazio's guy on this project. The course has many different looks to it and I'm looking forward to seeing how it plays.
Pat,
I don't think that any of the budget was used for the acqusition of the land, it was family property. There are plans for lots around part the front nine.

This is a huge project for Lincoln Parish, I'm sure we will hear more about this course when it opens this summer.

[Tim_Weiman]

Shooter,

Thanks for responding.

For better or worse, it seems we are already numb to the idea that $38 million could be spent creating something out of nothing a la Shadow Creek.  But, if $38 million was spent on a site that was a "spectacular property" and where "almost no dirt" was moved, then the story of Squires Creek is surely news.  Maybe not good news, but clearly news.

Thus, I'm inclined to be interested in:

a) the accuracy of the "rumored" $38 million
b) more data on how this amount of money was spent (if true)

In sum, I wouldn't be so worried about "Fazio bashing", but I would encourage providing as much detail as you can about how such an enormous amount of money was actually spent.

So, far what I understand is that the entire course was sodded, a few greens were re-done, some beach white sand was imported and the cart paths were treated by salt water.

It still sounds like we are a long way from $38 million.

Can you give us any further insight?  What do you mean by "looking at the construction it was evident cost is not an object"?

[Patrick_Mucci]

Shooter,

This sounds more like casino skimming than golf course building

38 million, very little dirt moved, not a dime for the acquisition of land,  who are the accountants  

[Will E]

As long as I'm spreading unfounded rumors....The course isn't complete, but as of a couple of days ago it did look like they had a long way to go to get to $38 million. I haven't seen the tee markers. I'll try to get some more info as to who is doing the accounting and what the actual course construction cost will be, I'd guess that the number of 38 that keeps getting thrown around includes a lot of work not related to the course. The other "you gotta be kidding" rumor is that the initiation fee is only 10K, Fazio is supposedly upset that it's not higher. Final rumor for the night, the course is being built as a way the owner can give back to his home of Lincoln Parish and is not being built for profit.   Remember, these are rumors! What a way to start the year. Happy New Year. I know what my first resolution will be.

[David Wigler]

Shooter,

Where in Louisiana is it?  When do they expect it to open?

[APBernstein]

Listen, guys, it's not THAT hard to spend $38 million on a golf course and move little to no land.  I could do it pretty easily, assuming near the end of construction, I bury $35 million in one corner of the property.

[Will E]

Dave,
Choudrant is just east of Ruston, La. About four hours east of Dallas right on I-20. You would probably fly into Monroe (30 miles west) if your only reason for visiting the area was to see the course.
The course is slated to open in June.
Let me know if you want to see it, I'll have the red carpet ready.

[Matt_Ward]

Shooter:

Is the new course looking to host major golf events?