While linking to the article about the rape at the Kappa Omega Alpha house, I came across a couple of other articles that connect to some previous posts/news-bits here at EMUTalk.org. First, there is the front page story in today’s AANews, “Officials say proposed acquisition of country club by Washtenaw Community College tempting, but doubts remain.” Here’s an example:
Michigan already has more public golf courses than any other state in the nation.
“It’s the operating costs we’re concerned about at this point,” said WCC President Larry Whitworth. “And we certainly have a responsibility if we do take it over that we maintain this as an important community asset. Can we do that? That’s what we’re trying to determine. And, can this break even?”
Judging by other golf courses, that will be hard to do. Last year, Eastern Michigan University, which owns the Eagle Crest Conference Center and Golf Course in the Ypsilanti area, hired new managers. After years of losing money, the facility earned a net income of $94,875 last fiscal year.
And then there is this less than brilliant comment: “[Richard] Landau, the trustee leaning in favor of the deal, said the college runs lots of programs and services that don’t break even, citing the campus library as an example.” Yes, because a golf course is as essential to the mission of WCC as a library…. Knucklehead.
The other story that caught my eye is “Ave Maria law school gets Bar Association approval to move to Florida.” Apparently, courses are going to start in Florida this August, though not on campus yet since this is what the law school currently looks like:
“Michigan has more public golf courses than any other state in the nation”
Why are we not promoting this on a tourism level nationally? I think this is a good thing! I also don’t believe we have too many, we just have more than everyone else.
The problem with having so many golf courses is that many are not profitable. Before the recession the trend was to sell them for residential development. One recent and local example was Hickory Woods in Ypsilanti Township.
The article made it clear that WCC will have to be willing to subsidize the course to keep it operating. No matter what the consultants tell them this will be the case. I think the WCC President must be an avid golfer and wants a place to play close by. Eagle Crest is another money loser but know that Wilbanks (The Foundation) is overseeing Eagle Crest watch out for some corners being cut. All ready some rumors on the management company running the course and the relationship to a certain regent. Someone needs to check this out. Hopefully all of the facts will come out but the Ypsi mafia is powerful and has a way of keeping things even away from the President.
Tomg76,
Before Fallon was fired he wanted to dismantle the the Eagle Crest Corporate staff and use the University staff to run it.
No need for two controllers, one at Eagle Crest and another at EMU. You’re really on to something! Hopefully Wilbanks will outed for the mini crim that he is.
Hey -I know it’s been awhile (both since anyone commented on this post and since I last posted a comment here), but I wanted to let Eagle Talon know that Michigan does seem to be doing some national promotion surrounding golf. I’m living out in New York City now, and it seems like every night that my husband and I are watching MSNBC we see at least one add for Michigan that revolves around golf. It doesn’t mention that Michigan has more golf courses than anyone else, but it paints the picture of golfing in Michigan as a simple, relaxing vacation.