South Dallas Golf Course May Hinge On Tournament Relocation
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Dallas City Council is largely behind plans to build a PGA-quality golf course in South Dallas.
But if there's not an agreement to move the Byron Nelson Tournament to the new course, the project could be derailed.
Dallas City Council members were told during a meeting that the pressure now is on a not-for-profit committee to meet two big challenges. The must come up with at least $20 million in private funds to build the course and secure the relocation of the Bryon Nelson tournament, currently played in Irving.
The not-for-profit committee will be made up of representatives from AT&T, the PGA and two more.
The Nelson has been played in Irving for 30 years. It draws nearly a quarter million fans annually and pumps an estimated $32 million into the economy there. AT&T assumes sponsorship in 2015, and is a driving force behind the proposed Dallas course. However, Irving has the contract with the PGA through 2018.
Council member Dwaine Caraway worried the language in the deal to build the new course was too strict, in case the tournament can't be lured away. "I just don't want it to be something that's a deal breaker."
City manager Mary Suhm reassured council members that a deal will be struck.
"The letter of intent has that as a commitment in it," she explained. "And when you give me permission to sign it next week it'll be there."
However, CBS 11 News has learned from Irving's mayor and the convention and visitors bureau that no deal has been struck to move the tournament from their community.
The council is set to formally vote on the proposal next week and then the not-for-profit committee will have until spring to bring the deal home.
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