Golf Course Operators ARE interested in The Meadows

The Short Version

The Benderson deal is not our only choice. Two well-established golf course operators with extensive Florida experience have expressed serious interest in operating The Meadows golf facilities. The proposed Benderson contract puts the community and our golf facilities at unnecessary risk.

Important Facts Residents Should Know

• Two respected, experienced golf course operators already active in Florida have expressed serious interest in operating golf at The Meadows. There may be more.

• These conversations have been initiated and led by Meadows residents who themselves have golf course management expertise.

• Those residents have clearly told the operators that they are not official representatives of the MCA and are not negotiating any deal.

• Their goal is simply to use their golf industry knowledge to help identify and shape better, safer options for the community than the Benderson proposal.

What Should Matter Most to The Meadows

1. Keep a successful, sustainable golf operation at The Meadows

2. Prevent housing development on golf land without community approval

3. Ensure the MCA controls what happens if golf stops on any holes

4. Limit financial risk to the MCA

5. Receive fair revenue for the community

Finding a long-term partnership with an experienced golf course operator can meet all of these criteria.

How Real Golf Operators Think

Experienced golf operators want to operate as many golf holes as they can profitably. They do not want idle or abandoned holes. A successful 18- or 27-hole operation is far better than a failing 54-hole operation—or no golf at all. Golf operators are the experts and should decide what will be successful.

What’s Wrong With the Benderson Deal

The Benderson contract creates the wrong incentives. Benderson benefits when golf stops, because closed golf holes can be converted into wetlands that help solve Benderson’s stormwater problems elsewhere. This benefits Benderson—not The Meadows.

The Benderson contract partially addresses objective #2 above an no others. And it adds all the risks and unwanted consequences of the conservation easements, wetland mitigation credits and loan with a non-bank.

The Bottom Line

The community needs to slow down, let our resident golf experts explore better options, and protect The Meadows’ long-term interests.

If you are an MCA Homeowner* and would like to discuss this and other MCA matters with your fellow Homeowners*, join the “For The Meadows” Facebook group. (* or spouse of a Homeowner)