News Summary

The INFINITUM Golf Resort in Costa Dorada is set to undergo significant renovations, including a redesign of The Hills course led by European Golf Design. With an investment of €800,000 for the Lakes course and the promise of a new hotel, the resort is committed to elevating the golfing experience and maintaining its reputation as a premier destination for golf lovers. Golfers can continue to enjoy the course during renovations, showcasing the resort’s dedication to improving facilities while maintaining accessibility.

Exciting Renovations Coming to INFINITUM Golf Resort!

Golf lovers, get ready to mark your calendars because the INFINITUM Golf Resort located on the picturesque Costa Dorada is about to step up its game! This stunning resort in Tarragona, Spain, is set to undergo some major renovations that will surely enhance the golfing experience for both seasoned pros and new enthusiasts alike.

The Hills Course Gets a Makeover

One of the most exciting aspects of this renovation is the revamping of the acclaimed The Hills course. Designed by the talented Alfonso Viador, it is now going to be redesigned by European Golf Design, led by the famous Dave Sampson, who recently crafted the course for the 2023 Ryder Cup. If that doesn’t get you hyped up, we don’t know what will! Work is scheduled to kick off in December and is expected to stretch over the next two years. The good news? The first phase should be completed by early 2026!

During this time, golfers won’t miss out on playing, as a fantastic composite course will be made available using nine holes from The Hills and nine from the Ruins course, designed by the legendary Greg Norman. You will have the opportunity to hit the greens even while the transformation is in progress!

A Splash of Cash for the Lakes Course

But wait, there’s more! The resort is also investing a whopping €800,000 in renovations for the Lakes course‘s bunkers to prepare for the prestigious DP World Tour Qualifying School’s Final Stage, which will take place from November 8-13, 2024. This will feature 156 players battling it out across six rounds! Talk about excitement on the fairways!

Home to Golfing Excellence

Since 2018, INFINITUM has proudly hosted the final stage of the DP World Tour Qualifying School, and the agreement to continue hosting until at least 2027 keeps the anticipation high. Both the Hills and Lakes courses offer unique challenges. The Hills course is known for its breathtaking views and challenging layout, with high rock walls as backdrops that add a bit of drama to your swing. Meanwhile, the Lakes course features 14 holes where water hazards come into play, requiring strategic thinking and precision on every shot.

Practice Makes Perfect

Plans for the Future

Looking ahead, INFINITUM has plans to add a hotel in the future, which will undoubtedly provide even better accommodations for golfers and visitors alike. Speaking of hotels, nearby guests at the H10 Imperial Tarraco Hotel can enjoy breathtaking views of Tarragona and the Mediterranean Sea. Talk about a picturesque stay after a long day on the course!

A Sense of Community

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News Summary

The Florida Cabinet’s recent approval of a land swap, exchanging 324 acres of Withlacoochee State Forest for 861 acres of timberland, has raised significant environmental concerns. Critics fear the deal, intended for a luxury golf resort, will adversely affect local wildlife and ecosystems. Environmental groups are mobilizing against what they see as a dangerous move, given the land’s role in supporting key species and conservation efforts.

Environmental Concerns Spark from New Land Swap in Florida

On June 12, 2024, the Florida Cabinet made a controversial decision to approve a land swap that has left many scratching their heads and worrying about our environment. In a move that exchanged 324 acres of the Withlacoochee State Forest for a whopping 861 acres of timberland in Levy County, the Cabinet greenlit plans that some fear could lead to significant ecological consequences.

Developer Gains Access to Wildlife Corridor

The state forest land in question is now in the hands of Cabot Citrus OpCo LLC, a company known to own a golf course near the forest area. This deal is aimed at paving the way for what the company hopes will be a luxury golf resort, their first venture into American turf, adding even more golf courses to the already popular sport within the state.

In a surprising twist, this decision was made without any public discussion. Officials sat down, approved the deal, and then moved on as if it were just another routine agenda item. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) asserted that the land is no longer deemed necessary for conservation. But many environmental advocates would strongly disagree.

Pushback from Environmental Groups

Groups dedicated to environmental preservation are waving red flags, claiming that the Withlacoochee State Forest is vital to a wildlife corridor that supports various animal species. These critics argue that the land swap puts both wildlife and conservation at risk by handing over valuable ecosystems to a developer, raising eyebrows about where our priorities really lie.

Just recently, there was significant outrage regarding proposals by the Florida DEP to incorporate golf courses and hotels into state parks, resulting in a wave of public protests. Surprisingly, two Cabinet members, who had previously opposed such DEP initiatives, found themselves approving this latest land swap, sparking questions about consistency in their environmental stance.

Fast-Tracked and Pushed Through

Adding to the controversy, the land swap made its way onto the Cabinet’s agenda at the last minute, and the discussion surrounding it lasted less than 30 seconds. Critics, including former environmental officials, have labeled this rapid approval as a blatant disregard for proper evaluation of the deal’s environmental impacts.

It’s worth noting that the land being offered in exchange is not heavily linked to broader conservation efforts nor is it among the state’s priority land acquisition areas. This isolation raises additional concerns. The lack of rigorous appraisals has also come under fire, as the DEP claims the value of the Withlacoochee property has significantly dropped since the state’s earlier acquisition.

Mobilizing for Preservation

A coalition of environmentalists are already gearing up for a fight. They are sending letters to the designated Acquisition and Restoration Council, urging them to take a closer look at the implications of this land transaction. With unique habitats that sustain the likes of gopher tortoises and sandhill cranes, the Withlacoochee State Forest boasts ecological attributes that should not be overlooked or sacrificed for development.

Meanwhile, Cabot Citrus envisions more than just a golf course. Their plans include a sporting club and luxury real estate with prices starting around $1.8 million, further cementing the push for development in what critics argue should remain undisturbed land.

Before becoming official, this land swap still has one more hurdle: it requires the approval of the state’s Acquisition and Restoration Council. As discussions unfold, many residents and environmental advocates are left wondering whether conservation or development will ultimately win out in the Sunshine State.

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