John: You shouldn't believe your ears. I am one of the owners of Dismal River. I'm not sure why, but it seems that you or someone you know has a peculiar axe to grind with this project. I've copied below a colloquy you and I had last year in which you posted rumors regarding the project which were false. Your method last year was similar, though you now have exchanged the "rumblings out of Mullen," for "word on the streets." Very, very few people have played the course. None have played it in opening-day condition. Obviously, I have skin in the game here, but I would be critical of such vague, unsubstantiated statements with regard to any project, particularly one that is not even open yet. By the way, I have played the course (in unfinished form, obviously), and I think it is incredible.
I've heard rumblings out of Mullen. I'm curious to see if anyone else heard this while there recently. (sidebar: I'm jealous)
#1 Is it true that ONE HOLE at Dismal River saw them move THREE TIMES the dirt moved for the entire Sand Hills course? If so, this just confirms what one famed architect told me. "I couldn't have done what they did. The course reflects remarkable restraint."
John: I'm not sure how much dirt was moved at Sand Hills, but I can tell you, as can anyone that has visited the site, that we are moving very, very small amounts at Dismal River. No-one can match the 2000 cubic yards claimed at Sand Hills, but Jack and the owners of this project are absolutely committed to minimal alterations to the land. There is no need to change the extraordinary setting nature has provided.
#2 I'm told the impact of the Dismal River course on the area economy has been significant. One cattleman can't get the scrapers to come help him on the ranch, so busy are they with the course. It isn't like there are a lot of other workers nearby!
This is blatantly false. We have never used a scraper. We have two small John Deere 650 and 700 dozers on site. We have two equipment operators on site, one from California, the other from Hawaii. We have received over 100 resumes looking for work, many of them local. We are very sensitive to the local economy. We hope and expect that any change will be for the better. Usually, communities are happy when more employment opportunities arrive, and the project has been well received by the residents of Mullen.