![]() ![]() “They’ve made some things happen ahead of schedule,” Bonesteel said, work that has caught the attention of players and community. Like Boacote, Bonesteel said he's noticed a "dramatic change" since new management took over the course, though there's plenty of work left to be done. Now dubbed "Friends of Asheville Muni," the new nonprofit president Paul Bonesteel said efforts to create the organization had been underway since last year.īonesteel is the documentary filmmaker and director behind "Muni," a "love letter to the game of golf" at Asheville municipal course, which was released in 2020 and featured on Golf Channel and PBS. Other 'Muni' updates to comeĪn organization intended to support the course as a fundraising partner has recently clinched nonprofit status, with a mission of encouraging the "rich legacy" of accessible and affordable golf at the municipal course. If the case is not settled out of court, the order names a tentative trial date of Nov. ![]() The document reiterates Pope's belief that issues, including the drainage problems, were within control of the city, and outside control of Pope Golf.Ĭorl said he hasn't heard many updates on the ongoing litigation in recent weeks, but hoped for a resolution before the suit hits the 12-month mark in September.Īn order for a mediated settlement conference was filed with the court in March, with a deadline for completion of mediation of July 15. Pope Golf submitted an answer to the complaint in December, which denies almost all allegations and calls for the court to dismiss the complaint. The course itself has seen "steadily degrading conditions" over the last several years, according to the city, and at its center are significant stormwater drainage issues, which Pope said in September is the reason behind not only the course conditions but his termination of lease payments.Īn Asheville Municipal Course fairway after sod replacement. 4, over three months after the city attorney's office sent a letter to Keith Pope, CEO of Pope Golf, based in Sarasota, Florida, advising that the city intended to initiate litigation over the past due lease payments, some of which had been accumulating since 2016. The complaint was filed with Buncombe County Superior Court Oct. Though a "stay" has been issued on the back lease payments, Corl said the amount owed may continue climbing due to costs incurred from fixing up the areas left to "neglect" by Pope. ![]() In October, the city filed a lawsuit against Pope, alleging deteriorating course conditions, which have allowed the greens, fairways and tees to fall into neglect, destruction of property and $340,830 in outstanding lease payments to the city. ![]() 1 in a seven-year license and management agreement with the city, after 10 years under former operator Pope Golf. People who've played there 20-plus years have said it's the best condition they've ever seen the course, he added.Ĭommonwealth Golf took over the course on Oct. “We’ve had a few of the pros come in a couple days early to get a practice round or two in, and their reviews are amazing,” Corl said. An Asheville Municipal Course fairway before renovations. ![]()
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