I have heard some talk about a new resort coming to Tunica, Ms.  I believe it would include 2 or 3 golf courses.  I know one is a Nicklaus and the other is a Greg Norman course.  Currently Tunica has 3 golf courses.  With Tunica becoming one of the most popular gambling spots in the country, do you think this coud be one of the next golf course boom areas.  Could it become like Vegas?

What are some other cities or resort areas that you feel will see a boom in the construction of golf courses over the next few years?

Some areas are becoming BUST towns.  I was in Orlando last week at a non-golf meeting and saw in the local paper that there are over 20 courses for sale in the general vicinity, as well as at least one that has shut down.  A bank is trying to sell a package of three courses at fire sale prices.  No sale as a package, they might be shut down as well.

Geoff Shackleford might have been onto something with his book, The Future of Golf, which I am reading right now.  He is right about a lot of things.

Sounds like a good book,
I am going to Orlando in 3 weeks to play Champions Gate International and National.  Also playing both Orange County National courses.  It seems everything is moving south/west of Orlando and even Kissimmee.  The new Reunion resort looks nice.

I lived in Memphis for a year back in the late 90's when the Grand Casino and Cottonwood were built (also was one lane road to get there).  Every time I travel back I make sure I stay/gamble there and golf at Cottonwood.  You can see that Tunica has plenty of room to grow.   Plus, there are only a couple of golf courses in Memphis area worth playing.........

Martin

Adam, I wish the maid had not thrown out that paper because I don't have the list.  But I think these were mostly lower end residential courses.  Some of the resident groups were panicky about having to take over financial responsibility and management.  I don't blame them!

Keep an eye on the Brooksville, Florida area. Tampa is moving that way and a lot of big developers are buying land.

Steve

With Philadelphia about to become the 21st Century American City, I think we'll see a resurgance of golf (especially public golf) in the area.

any thoughts on the New Mexico, especially Sante Fe and Alburquerque

How about Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  I know this mite seem bias, because I am the first assistant at the new Tom Fazio golf course at Corales Golf Club-PUNTACANA Resort & Club.  But after speaking with people in the golf course industry, they feel Punta Cana, will turn out as what Cabo was and is now.  There will be 3 Jack Nicklaus Signature courses at CAPCANA, the Fazio Course up the road, PB Dye's course, La Cana at the PUNTACANA Resort & Club, and the Nick Faldo course about 20 minutes, the new Nick Price as well.  So I just think this specifc area is booming, and at a fast rate.  

I would look to the various native american territories that have spawned casinos. The amount of disposable revenue is outrageous and should only grow as legalized gambling spreads its influence. Foxwoods and Turning Stone are two examples of this trend, and I know there are many more.

On a related topic, are courses built on reservations exempt from state and federal environmental/zoning laws? Is it the same permitting process?

Shanghai and other metropolitan areas of China--both present and planned.  I know there's been a sort of moratorium on course development in China but I have it on pretty good authority that there is going to be another wave of course building.  Hopefully, due to water shortages, they'll see the need for firm and fast classic era type courses.  

There's an effort starting here to promote the California Central Coast as a golf (as well as wine) destination. About a dozen courses are joining together to form the Central Coast Golf Trail, including courses in Northern Santa Barbara county and San Luis Obispo county.

In a recent interview with Monarch Dunes architect Damian Pascuzzo, he shares "the amenities the Central Coast offers will just add to the area's allure. I absolutely think this area will be the next great golf destination. Geographically, it is an easy getaway from San Francisco or Los Angeles. And, think about it: Where would you rather go in June or July to play golf? In South Carolina, where it is 90 degrees out with 90-percent humidity, or the Central Coast?"

The showcase of the national pitch for Central Coast golf could be Monarch Dunes. Add other attractions like wineries, Hearst Castle and the beach, and the Central Coast could reap big tourist dividends.

Source: Monarch Dunes to showcase Central Coast Golf

Florida' Nature Coast-- north of Tampa around Black Diamond is Florida's last frontier

NC foothills and Blue Ridge Mountains. West of Asheville.

 Pacific Northwest, Park City, Utah is already booming, Big Sky Montana, Snake River, Wyoming, China, Santa Fe?