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Task Force To Make Report

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 4, 2009

As you all know by this time, there's a SCC Community Association Task Force report recommending that a study be done of the North Lakes and Sandpiper golf courses to ascertain their value, financial potential, infrastructure needs and all the things we - as a community - need to know in the light of WCI's bankruptcy and uncertain future.

The report will come before the board of directors Feb. 4 in an open-to-the-public workshop which will set the agenda for the next Wednesday's actual board meeting where we will put it to the vote.

Your presence and input are welcomed at both meetings. Actually, your presence is really important. The board needs to hear your opinions.

Today's is in the board of directors room at the CA office; next Wednesday's board meeting is in the Rollins Theatre.

There's another task force working on another part of golf in Sun City Center. This group is looking into how we might change the 1984 agreement between the developer and SCC to increase play on the golf courses here and a number of proposals are being floated.

An 'Open' Group

A new idea surfaced today as we were playing golf in this perfect Florida weather - and what a glorious day it was. My playing partner, Jim Sutter, said that when he came here a few years ago, he had no idea of who he could play with or whether there were any groups available to join on a formal or informal basis. Jim suggested that WCI sponsor an informal open group that could meet several times a week to play golf. People would meet people, make friends, find out about the MGA or the LGA/WGA and other groups such as our "76ers" or "The Forty Thieves" or the Men's Nine-Hole group, all who play on Tuesday mornings.

This group could gather a couple of times a week, in mid-day, for instance, and WCI could allocate foursomes on the spot and off they would go. Maybe by handicap, maybe by sex, maybe mixed. You would not have to be a member of North/South to play the first few times.

This could act as a membership increaser for WCI and also act as a very important welcome to new residents. Jim Sutter said he wanted to play golf, but didn't particularly want to play alone. This is an idea whose time has come, Jim.

Smoke Signals

I get second-hand signals from WCI about this column and my picking on problems encountered on the golf courses in Sun City Center. There seems to be a feeling that I'm picking on the poor developer folk.

Hey, I'm only reporting what the playing members are telling me. When there's a ball-sucking mud pile in front of a green, I'm going to report it in the hope that the irrigation system can be fixed. If the sand in the bunkers has turned to cement or mud, I'm going to report it and hope that our dues will cover replacing the sand.

And, to be fair, WCI has often picked up on my notations and/or suggestions which has been helpful to all golfers here.

I've recently played the three nines at Falcon Watch and I'm impressed with the conditions there and the way WCI maintains them. Down to the little cups on each tee box for broken tees. I will also note, however, that these courses are better manicured and kept than the North Lakes or Sandpiper. If you haven't played them, you should exercise the reciprocal rights WCI has given us. We can play Falcon Watch all day now, not just in the afternoon.

Bob Black is a journalist and a member of the Sun City Center Community Association board of directors.

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