Florida's Nicklaus Golf Trail, R.I.P.

Abel Harding reports that Republican sponsor of legislation that would have allowed golf courses to be built on some state parks withdrew the bill under public pressure in the cash-strapped state.

“While this bill was intended to stimulate tourism and find unique ways to explore economic development, I have had a number of conversations with my constituents and city leaders who have made it very clear that this is not an avenue they are interested in pursuing," said state Sen. John Thrasher, who had filed the legislation in the Senate. "I have always said that I am a representative of my community and my community has spoken loud and clear.”

The bills had called for Jack Nicklaus-designed courses to be built in state parks in all five regions of the state. The legislation filed in the House by Rep. Patrick Rooney named one of those parks, the Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County.

Scott Maxwell reports that Arnold Palmer's design firm was happy to go on the record against the bill, which ought to make for interesting first tee conversation Thursday of Masters week:

Well, Palmer’s course-design company responded with a statement just a few minutes ago saying that, while Arnold Palmer Design Company, “is a fan of golf as a tool for tourism …  we do feel that there are alternative options than using our state parks for ‘new’ golf course development.”

What’s more: “We also would hope that all the well respected golf course architects who call Florida home are given an opportunity to bid on design and remodel work, particularly when this trail will extend to five different regions in the state.”

Indeed, senator. Whatever happened to all those free-market principles you and Gov. Rick Scott (who also met with Nicklaus) so often espouse? A no-bid, taxpayer-subsidized plan to help one — and only one — course designer hardly fits the bill.