Tom,
Obvious the archie would want to do 18 but that is why I said the DEVELOPER missed the boat on this one. I just think the land could yield a very special nine holer versus a cramped and probably dangerous 18 holer (already some tight spots on the curent 4043 yard course)
Brad,
The golf project is fueled by the development of the Park Hyatt project on the old Club Med site above St Catherine's beach. Additionally it would appear that they have acquired the land that was to the right of 11 and 12 for the housing part of the PH deal and the government has procured another small piece too help "stretch" the course.
Justin,
Coventional "wisdom" says the answer to your question is yes but it is that very concentionality that I am questioning.
Matt,
How can something be out of the way in a place as small as Bermuda? King's Wharf might be the only place that could be called out of the way. So you think lower green fees would attract enough incremental business to make it a sound business decision? I highly doubt it. In a fly only market dropping your green fee 20% will not result in more revenue from increased rounds. If not for the cruise industry Bermuda would be in serious trouble... but that is a very sharp double edged sword as more and more people are opting to go the cruise route rather than fly to Bermuda. For the price of the airfare alone you get you hotel, all food, entertainment and round trip transport to and from Bermuda... not for everyone but it has both helped and hurt Bermuda.
Bill,
Sounds like you visited "Freddy's" in St Georges
Matthew,
I think you would be surprised at how a nine holer would be received especially in a destination such as Bermuda. If the course were as good as I say (world class 9 holer) wouldn't the serious golfer make it a point to play it if in Bermuda? Of course and would the casual tourist on whom they rely to ring the register not be inclined ot hit the klower price point while getting a world class experience and getting back to the spouse and children sooner? Gotta believe that is the way to go. When we had the Swin Flu scare down here a couple of years ago we sht down 27 of our 36 holes and offered a 9 hole, 18 hole and all day rate. The casusal tourist jumped all over the 9-hole rate. OK so it WAS the back nine of The Ocean Course but that only reinforces my point as the St. George's site could yield something pretty special. Heck maybe go the oft discussed 12 hole route... whatever the land would yield... whcih is not 18 holes.
At any rate as long as I can still drop the sticks after the short par 3 and head to Blackbeard's for a cold one in the middle of the round it's all good.