And here’s one I missed along the same lines about Birkdale 2 weeks ago:

Employees Seek Help After Delayed Pay Days, Bounced Checks Become The Norm

Wow – i just read that story that Panther fan posted. I can’t say I am surprised by it to be honest. If they run their books the same way they run their courses it was a matter of time they ran into some trouble. I’ve personally boycotted any and all Carolina Trail courses from my list of “to plays” and I encourage all of my fellow golfers to do the same. There are way too many nice courses out there in Charlotte to play rather than give the hooligans any more of our money.

I stopped playing any of the Trail courses a few years back after several horrible experiences. Golf is meant to be fun. Plenty of other options out there. A family member of mine works at one of the courses, and the reports of them not paying their employees are true. I won’t ever be going back.

These courses just need new managment who will hire people who have the funds and knowledge to maintain golf courses. They might have the people already and its just an issue of funds. Who knows. I know this, it would be a shame for these courses to close completely. I think Waterford, Skybrook, Birkdale, and the Divide are great courses as far as the lay out is concerned. They just need to be fixed.

The sad thing is that even if the courses are bought by entities – such as homeowner associations – that will restore them to their former and potential glory, the curent owner may still escape without jail time.

The balance of the Trail Courses which include Birkdale, Highland Creek, Tradition, The Divide, and Waterford are under the management of Traditional Golf Management effective 11/18/13. Looks like the Charlotte market is finally rid of Jeff Silverstein. The guy deserves leg irons and an orange jumpsuit. His absence should bode well for public golf in Charlotte.

I received a clarification from a reliable source. The information about the new management company is correct, but Jeff Silverstein still owns the courses.

I’ve heard from a reliable source that Silverstein does not. The bank took the properties and Traditional is in place to ready the courses for sale.

Here’s the latest, with quotes from Silverstein:

Carolina Trail golf courses headed into foreclosure, owner says

Who wants to buy a golf course in this crowded market and still sluggish economy? I don’t think Skybrook has sold yet, and it’s been several months. Not sure why Silverstein thinks these courses will sell quickly (probably just more bluff and bluster).

I agree with our resident expert, Dr. Schteeve.

The value isn’t in the golf courses, its in the land. You can buy The Tradition for pennies on the dollar and build houses. Sell the land to a developer and make a killing….

Value in the land…that is so 1995.

I have read about the positive changes at Skybrook, but does anyone know what is going on with the other courses owned by the Carolina Trail? I am knew to the area and looking for some insight.