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Highlands Today

Sebring didn't walk the walk on golf course

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By JEFF HARSTINE Guest Columnist

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 20, 2009

Having read editorials discussing the use of local contractors for community improvements, I would like to comment on the recently awarded project to renovate the Sebring Golf Club.

This spring, the city of Sebring advertised the renovation of its golf course. The scope of work and a budget of $475,000 were listed. The work includes: re-building a few greens complexes, updating the irrigation and re-grassing the greens. Not a complicated job.

The RFQ (request for qualifications) was not a bid. The question was whether or not the contractor could provide a quality product within the given budget. Being ranked as being one of the top five golf course builders in the country for many years, naturally our answer was "yes." Once the city chose a builder then the negotiation began.

Over the last 33 years, Highland Golf Inc. has constructed golf courses and other athletic fields. Ranging from small renovations to new construction, this work has taken place all over Florida, across the Eastern U.S. throughout the Caribbean and even for the King of Bahrain.

Many of the golf courses have received national rankings (The Quarry Course at Black Diamond Ranch, Pine Barrens Course at World Woods) or can be seen on the PGA Tour (TPC at Sugarloaf.) Disney's Wide World of Sports baseball fields host the Atlanta Braves during spring training. We were recently involved in the building of the new county sports complex located near Sebring High School. This project was bid against (approximately) 10 other contractors, showing that we can be competitive.

The Sebring Golf Club project was awarded to a contractor from Vero Beach. I wish the city of Sebring success with their endeavor to improve the golf course to make it enjoyable for all types of golfers. I would like to thank Buddy Whitlock for his support. I hope the city continues to receive the support, donations and time, all of which we have given over the years. Given the current state of the economy, one would hope to find work in their own backyard. I guess not. Perhaps the city of Sebring has positions open for the employees that had to be laid off.

As a member of the community, Highlands Golf, Inc. (formerly Central Florida Turf) has continuously donated throughout the years to many local organizations. Our name can be found on banners and other signs hanging on just about every sports field in Highlands County. The many miles traveled over the years started from our home office, which was founded and continues to be located in Highlands County.

Maybe if the city of Sebring receives enough of these responses, they will begin to walk the walk instead of just talk. Hopefully other local contractors who are qualified will benefit in the future from my remarks.

Jeff Harstine is president Highland Golf Inc. in Sebring.

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