La Quinta's SilverRock Resort debuts with PGA's Bob Hope Classic

from today's Desert Sun (1/14/2008):


SilverRock debuts at Bob Hope Chrysler Classic
By Larry Bohannan
The Desert Sun

"LA QUINTA - After two years of delays, renovations, rejections by the PGA Tour and escalating costs 50 percent more than its initial $10 million estimate, Mayor Don Adolph of La Quinta is excited SilverRock Resort will debut this week in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic." ...

"SilverRock, the city-owned and developed layout, will debut in the Hope on Wednesday, one of four courses in the $5.1 million tournament's rotation that will be televised nationally on The Golf Channel. But that debut comes only after cost overruns and unanticipated renovations have pushed the SilverRock course's cost to more than $15 million, 50 percent higher than initial projections.

The additional money, from city redevelopment funds, was required in part by course changes the PGA Tour demanded before it would let the course join the Hope rotation." ...

"The changes began when the council approved $1.4 million in work in the summer of 2005 after flooding and erosion problems from uncharacteristic heavy rains earlier in the year. That money went toward improved drainage on the course, additional landscaping, installation of a drainage pipe to divert flood waters along Avenue 52 and additional workers.

Another $600,000 was approved in August 2006 for decomposed granite to cover and stabilize 40 acres of desert, a specific request by the tour. As recently as last month, the council approved $80,000 to repair wind damage to bunkers and downed trees.

"It just seems every time the council meets, they are voting more money for that golf course," said Steve Simpson, 53 and a part-time La Quinta resident. "I know the golf tournament is a big deal, but is it worth what the city is spending?"

That is a question many city taxpayers have asked city hall officials.

Adolph and others have always insisted the tournament is only part of the long-term SilverRock plan to promote the golf course and attract tax revenue through hotels and retail spending. One year ago, the city signed a $550 million deal with Lowe Destination Development to bring a hotel, boutique hotel and retail development to the property." ...

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