- May 1, 2024
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The Matanzas Home Owners Association threw a hook at the new ownership of Pine Lakes, Cypress Knoll and the coveted Matanzas Golf Course, not in operation for years.
From what I hear, the Association offered to make a donation from their treasury to get the restoration underway. The amount offered is unknown at this point but what they asked for is. They simply wanted the ownership to make a minor restoration so the membership and others could enjoy playing the game.
From my understanding, it was pointed out that they were not asking for a full restoration, just a small improvement to get the golf course open and playable.
The movement quickly brought the business partners to a huddle and no decision has been provided at this point for those anxious to know the result.
Personally, I think it’s a tough decision that comes at a time when so many other factors are involved to get the golf courses in a profitable situation. They have lowered prices in several categories including those for snowbirds who spend six months or so here, a reduction that nears 50% of the previous charge.
They embarked on a strong advertising program designed to bring the general public to their restaurants at Pine Lakes and Cypress Knoll as well as the golf courses themselves. It is an expensive campaign but the ownership is well aware that to properly survive they need a strong membership and an equally strong participation from the general public. The economy, of course, has made a terrific hit on golf course ownerships up and down the east coast but especially in Florida.
It will come back but what golf needs now is a smart business ownership. The owners I’ve known for years have that. They are smart business people who love the game of golf and play it well. They have full knowledge of what stands in front of them and the right way to make good things happen. Simply said, Pine Lakes, Cypress Knoll, and yes, Matanzas Woods, could not have better teams working in their behalf than the ones they have now.
Am I allowed a personal opinion? If the answer is “yes” here we go.
After spending two million to buy the three golf courses they have full knowledge of what stands ahead and the moves needed to accomplish their goals. That will cost more money. They have made the promise of restoring Matanzas Woods to its previous elegant shape and they will do that when all the ducks are in the pond. Now is not that time.
The first chore is the members, the public and an income that pays the bills allowing better things to happen. One can see that with more and more people, members and non-members, stopping by at Arnie’s Grill for lunch and many more on the way. It is a popular place to enjoy with a downright fantastic view of the 18th green and other golf venues.
I can’t see that a temporary improvement of Matanzas now will do anything but add bills to their money supply. If they take small steps for show we both know that some months down the road we’ll hear complaints that all they did is clean up the garbage to please some players, that the golf course is still in lousy shape, that it’s not the Matanzas Woods we know and loved and, finally, why don’t they do something about this mess?
Patience is the answer. They made the promise before the sale was complete to restore Matanzas Woods to what it originally was and knowing several of them as I do that promise will be kept. Give them time.
What you will find is three beautiful golf courses that will win the play of both members and public players.
These guys are good and they know well both sides of the coin.
There is a biblical verse that says it all pretty well: “Bread cast on the water comes back to you.”
Keep the faith, Matanzas, the bread is coming your way.
