The Critical List, september 2012

canada. Any day now, Parks Canada expects to issue an RFP seeking a private operator for Highland Links, the Stanley Thompson-designed golf course on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The course has long been acclaimed as one of the nation’s best, but it’s been losing money for years. My question: Can Cabot Links, the island’s answer to Bandon Dunes, help to make Highland Links profitable again?

united states. The city of Phoenix, Arizona needs to dig its six golf courses out of a $14.8 million hole. “We have to pay back the general fund,” the city’s finance director has concluded. To reduce the financial weight, the city is thinking about selling its courses, closing them during the sweltering summer months, outsourcing management, and converting some into parks.

ireland. A financial consultant is trying to stave off a cash-flow crisis and keep the doors open at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club in County Kerry. “Very deep and significant change will be required if we are to continue playing golf here,” the club has announced. Killarney, which has hosted the Irish Open four times, has already agreed to sell one of its three 18-hole layouts.

united states. A Fort Collins, Colorado-based company believes the Link-N-Greens golf course would be an ideal site for its new corporate headquarters. “This is absolutely the best use of this property,” argues a local developer. The flat, easy-to-walk property has served as the nine-hole course’s home since 1986.

canada. The mayor of Prince Rupert, in British Columbia, has proposed to sell the city’s golf course to generate money for a new emergency services building. “This will make it easier on the taxpayers,” notes Jack Mussallem. His secret hope is that a private group will “inject some cash” into the golf course.

united states. The last rounds at Four Willows Golf Course in Mason City, Illinois will be played this season. Roger Tucker has decided to sell his nine-hole, 50-year-old track, and not because it’s losing money. Tucker’s 40-acre property is worth more as farm land.