First Coast News re: State Senator John Thrasher's

Are Proposed Golf Courses in Florida "Out of Bounds"?

12:00 AM, Mar 11, 2011

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Florida already has more golf courses than any state in the nation, and now two lawmakers are looking to add more.

Sen. John Thrasher and Rep. Patrick Rooney want to create a Jack Nicklaus Golf Trail around Florida.

The proposed legislation would give Nicklaus the exclusive right to design and develop five golf courses on State Park land in an effort to draw in tourism and stimulate the state's economy.

But not everyone is thrilled with the plan.

"I'm a golfer. I played golf in high school and in college," said Warren Anderson, a Jacksonville lawyer.

As a golfer and an environmentalist, Warren Anderson can't see himself teeing off at one of the proposed Jack Nicklaus Golf Trail Courses.

"Are you going to build a golf course where a hazard is near one of the springs? Hit over this spring on a par-3 course, build a hotel by Itchatucknee?" asked Anderson.

Anderson says building the courses on state park land would disrupt the wildlife, ruin the scenery, and use, on average, 312-thousand gallons of water a day.

"We have a water crisis in this state. Sen. Thrasher knows that. We have a water crisis in this state," said Anderson.

But the bill argues the courses would create construction jobs, and bring more tourism into the state.

In addition, the courses would be public, which translates to cheaper tee times.

But one golf pro wonders if there are enough people to get out on the green.

"We're pretty innundated with golf courses here in North Florida," said Steve Tillis, a golf pro.

And the courses that are open aren't seeing as much play as they used to.

The number of tee times has gone down about ten percent in the past year nationwide, and here in Jacksonville, Panther Creek closed it's doors in November due to lack of business.

Although the industry is hoping to rebound, Tillis isn't sure more courses are the answer.

"We have enough as it is," he said.

With almost 1300 golf courses and 160 state parks in Florida, Anderson argues it's easy to do the math.

"These special places we can go to and enjoy and be free from the clutter of a busy life. A golf course in the middle of it is not going to work," said Anderson.