Golf Course Gets Operator, March Opening Still Stands

(ATR) The Brazilian Golf Confederation tells Around the Ringsa new operation agreement means it is still on track for a full opening of the course in March.

On Dec. 26 the CBG entered into agreement with company CRF to assume control of the course. According to a CBG spokesperson CRF Empreendimentos e Participações Societárias, a developer in the southern Santa Catarina state, is "responsible for maintenance and investments" of both the golf course and facilities.

The spokesperson did not disclose to ATR what had happened to the agreement with Progolf, the previous operator of the course. Last November, Progolf officials told AFP that they had not been paid for some post-Olympics work and was running out of supplies.

In addition the CBG declined to disclose how many people are using the course daily during the "soft opening." The spokesperson said that starting on Jan. 1, CRF began its contract and were in charge of all aspects of administration. International media outlets visiting the golf course in November and December found few players and unfinished facilities.

Requests for comment from CRF were not returned.

"The inauguration is scheduled for March," the spokesperson told ATR. "Until then, the course remains open to the public in a soft opening, that is, with only the course functioning."

International Golf Federation Executive Director Anthony Scanlon told ATR the federation remains "available to assist and support" to ensure the course’s success.

"The Rio Olympic Golf Course is open to the public for play six days a week and the legacy management structure is now starting to take shape," Scanlon added.

Golf returned to the Olympic Games for the first time since 1904 for the Rio Olympic Games. Building the course was dogged by multiple lawsuits from environmental groups claiming the course was damaging an environmental preserve in the area. Proponents of the course say that building itactually increased the wildlife in the region, although some environmentalists remain skeptical of the claims.

To build the course without private money, Rio offered tax breaks to developer Carlos Carvalho. In the year ahead of the Olympics Carvalho estimated he could make $1 billion from developing the space around the course.

During the handover ceremony from Rio City Hall of the Olympic organizing committee former Mayor Eduardo Paes told ATR that he didn’t "think there is much legacy" for a golf course in Rio.

"There are some things that you need to do when you deliver the Olympics…but you need to build the venues," Paes said. "I hope we can get the most of it."

Written by Aaron Bauer

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