DALLAS (Nov. 7, 2012) – As the U.S. housing market continues its recovery, developers and homebuilders must learn from past mistakes and plan new golf communities with water efficiency in mind.
“The next development cycle for housing is already underway. Among the lessons learned from the last cycle is that the increasing costs and limitations on water for irrigation require new solutions,” Henry DeLozier, principal of Global Golf Advisors, told attendees of a USGA-sponsored conference focused on golf’s use of water. The conference, which ended here today, attracted experts from science, government, business, academia and golf.
“Golf communities have a great opportunity to create market differentiation through sound and effective environmental programs,” DeLozier said. According to DeLozier, the former head of golf for Pulte Homes, before breaking ground golf community developers should know the answers to four questions: What entity owns and controls water supply? How long is the secured-supply life cycle? What is the backup supply source? And how do you shop for water sources? “In the previous development cycle, builders and lending institutions weren’t diligent enough in seeking answers to these questions,” DeLozier said.
DeLozier and Jim Hinckley, CEO of Century Golf Partners, which owns and manages private clubs, resorts and public golf courses, discussed six “mission-critical” factors that will affect the future relationship between golf and water.
• Supply of the volume and quality of water required for golf development.
• Increasingly expensive storage costs.
• The need for developers to secure alternative deal structures and sources.
• Demand in fast-growing markets such as Florida, Nevada, Arizona, California and Oregon.
• The “brown is the new green” movement, which golf must lead.
• The need to change design planning and features to make communities more sustainable.
For a copy of DeLozier’s and Hinckley’s presentation, email Barb Ralph, bralph@globalgolfadvisors.com.
About Global Golf Advisors
Global Golf Advisors is an international consulting practice that helps golf course owners, financial institutions and real estate developers solve problems related to course management and operations. The Toronto-based firm takes a 360-degree view of management and operational issues before developing a strategic plan that establishes benchmarks for success and identifies potential outcomes of recommended actions. In its 20-year history, GGA has consulted on more than 2,000 golf-related projects worldwide. For more information, please visit www.globalgolfadvisors.com or call 888-432-9494.
Contact:
Bill Bryant, Bryant Marketing Communications
bbryant@bryantmarcomm.com
678-366-3232
Henry DeLozier, Global Golf Advisors
hdelozier@globalgolfadvisors.com
602-739-0488
