- November 20, 2024
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Matanzas wasn't just another local course — people traveled here to play it
Dear Editor:
I want to thank you for your continuing coverage of the public debate regarding the disposition of the property encompassing what had been a renowned golf course, Matanzas Woods. Unfortunately for many of us in the area, the 2008 economic collapse precipitated the closing of this terrific golf course. As you probably know, it was the signature course in this area.
Please indulge me while I point out how well known Matanzas Golf Course was, and, I believe, from my somewhat self serving view as the homeowner of a lot on what was once the 18th fairway, could become again.
In my youth I was obligated to spend two weeks each summer at Camp Blanding in Starke. We would get a single day off during that two-week period. For our single day off back in the late ’80s, eight of us would drive down from Camp Blanding to play Matanzas. We were very appreciative of the course layout, it being at one time a pro-qualifying tract.
I just returned to Palm Coast from my firefighter son's home in Apopka. We spent the last few days sprucing up the inside and out in preparation for the holidays. A UPS delivery was made to my son's home on Thursday. The driver suggested that my son and I play the Forest Lake course in nearby Ocoee, if we could find the time. After a brief conversation during which I explained where I live, the UPS driver explained that his golfing group would routinely drive over to Palm Coast to play Matanzas Woods. His opinion, as an avid golfer, was that the Matanzas Woods layout was one of the best in central and northeast Florida.
He also said that he and his group will assuredly be making the trip, again, from the Orlando area, once Matanzas is reopened.
I bring the above anecdotes to your attention, so that you have some understanding of the esteem in which the Matanzas Woods Golf Course was held. It was not simply another local, 18-hole layout.
I trust that someone has explained that a good number of its holes are considered to be signature holes, by those in the know.
The information that I have shared with you is simply one rationale for reopening The Matanzas Woods Golf Course. Obviously, the recent public support to continue to retain the property in question as golf course property is another.
The covenants on the books since the early ’70s between residents of Section 37 (also referred to as Section L and/or The Matanzas Woods Homeowners Association) and the course owners, bring additional weight to the argument for course resurrection.
Thank you for your continued attention and coverage of this important topic to so many of us in the area.
Stu Einhorn
Palm Coast
Opportunity lost in Matanzas Woods
Dear Editor:
Recently, a developer came to the community with an opportunity to make some improvements to the Matanzas Woods area. Granted, it may not be everything everyone wanted; however, it could have restored interest in our community.
Some people wanted to just reopen the golf course; however, being shortsighted, they drove away the developer.
The course is no good without people to use it. This area does not have enough people, and that is the problem. If development is made and either town houses or condos are built adjacent to the fairways, it brings a number of people to the area to use the course. Even that may not be enough, but it would be a start. Having other venues, such as a community center, tennis, bocce, biking or kayaking could go a long way to getting the Matanzas Woods area back to what it once was.
Sending this gentleman packing is a lost opportunity and could very well mean the death knell for our community. We now look forward to having a dust bowl here in Matanzas Woods. Now we can look forward to help from the city of Palm Coast, and we all know how good that has been over the past six years.
Ernie Sund
Palm Coast
