Dear Editor
I am writing this week to further the discussion started last week by Bobby Jones concerning the Trilogy Rio Vista Golf Club.
I agree with Bobby Jones opinion, expressed last week in the Beacon, that the sooner the golf course is restored the sooner it will become a self-supporting recreational and aesthetic asset of our home-owners association.
There are 3008 individual homes in our active adult retirement community. The stay in place orders have been very challenging for all of us.
When the golf course was allowed to re-open by the county health department the number of people playing golf picked up considerably over the recent past. In fact, Course Co referenced in their May financial report to the Board of Directors the number of rounds played in May exceeded the number anticipated in the budget even though the course was closed the first three days of the month.
Whether you have a home on the golf course or not, the value of your home is linked to the golf course and the quality of the overall upkeep of our development.
A few years ago, there was a study that determined to keep up the 165 acres as open space that comprises the golf course it would cost one million dollars annually.
Fortunately, golfers pay a good deal of the cost of maintaining the property, and as the golf course improves it is more likely enthusiastic members of the regional golf community will consider purchasing a home here building on the considerable support the golf course is currently enjoying.
Annual members, depending upon the type of membership purchased, contribute between 1900 and 3295 dollars per year to the course, in addition to money spent on food, beverages, golf products and attire.
Due to the pandemic, Course Co., as the management company has had to alter their approach and plans at the 38 courses they manage.
Food and Beverage revenue is obviously off with closures. However, expenses are down as well, and with each passing day more is learned about the challenges we face, and plans can be developed as to how to combat the effects of the pandemic on the bottom line.
The golf course operating account benefited from a loan secured from the Federal Government for 150 thousand dollars. This loan will become a grant as the terms of the loan will be met by hiring workers for the operation of our course.
As funds have accumulated in our development account, I want to encourage the Trilogy Master Board to make prudent investments in our collective property for our enjoyment.
The viability of the business and our enjoyment would be benefited by an expansion of the patio and refurbishment of the Monarch Grill in addition to continued improvement of the golf course property. Each has value to the members and will bring back the dollars in increased marketability and value of our homes.
Hans Pupping
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