Palmetto Proving Grounds

I agree...i understand Golf isn't a revenue sport for the Athletic's department but with Cobblestone Park being the team's home course it really hurts us in recruiting. Not easy when Billy Mack is having to tell kids it's a 30 mile drive from campus.

I think that this sounds like a great idea, just don't understand how practical. Does the university own land suitable for a golf course? How costly is it to run a course? Don't get me wrong, I'd love the idea, but just thinking about some of the challenges.

I met the owner of all the land behind Stadium Suites and the Retreat and halfway back to Heathwood Hall and he said if he could purchase the remainder of the land between Heathwood Hall and his property line, then he was going to do just that. Build a golf course predominately for the school and also open it to students and public. Probably be high fees though it would probably also be a nice course. Since its so swampy and has such low land out there, it'd probably take a good while for it to be completed.

I think a good quarter mile dirt track would be more profitable.

How about a new softball stadium? Maybe a tennis facility? Where would those rank on your profitability scale?

If we build one let's not scar it.

What's it cost to build a golf course these days. Seems like it would be cost prohibitive.

Yes...our golf team and students deserve it.

LOL. U r right. It's easily 1mm a green.

I have been in the golf business for 20+ years (most of them at a university no less) and can confidently say that if you want to lose money, then get into the golf business.

Labor is hard to find and they are VERY expensive to build and maintain. Mainly due to the cost of fuel, fertilizer, etc. Interest in golf is pretty low right now. Most of us root for Tiger because his success does have a tangible effect on rounds played. You better have a darn good business plan if you even want to break even. A great location would be a good start.

could it get any fed money if it includes a mass transit trolley line thingy running thru the middle of it? screw carts, we will call it "the 90 degree rule express"....im gonna go ahead and throw in a suggestion to make the logo a palmetto tree with the moon laying on the ground beside it so nobody has to finance the anti-gravity, moon orbiter...seems feasable...let do dis

As a founding member of The University Club I can say no to this. Ginn ruined this when he bought it and turned it Into Cobblestone Park. He could have cared less about Carolina and its golf course. He kicked out members like myself because living 2 hours away and on a state membership he wanted everyone to pay the full local $350 price. As a founding member I asked if I could still play my 3-4 rounds per year and just pay the going rate and was given a authoritative FU. So FU Ginn. The original an was awesome and wish the original owner never died of a brain tumor. I agree to put something closer. Our team is improving and deserves a course closer for all gamecocks! Fans, coaches, and athletes