Golf course for sale this week

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Friday, December 17. 2010

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The sun set on Sunrise Golf Course this summer. Now, Madison County’s lone golf course is up for sale.

Tranzon Integrity Partners, a real estate auction company, has the golf course up for sale in a “hybrid sealed bid and on-line auction.” Sealed bids were due by Wednesday, Dec. 15. Top bidders will then be invited to bid online on Friday.

Frank Smith, of Tranzon, is listed as the contact on the auction website, but he had not returned a Journal phone call as of press time.
Tranzon Integrity Partners, a real estate auction company, has the golf course up for sale in a “hybrid sealed bid and on-line auction.” Sealed bids were due by Wednesday, Dec. 15. Top bidders will then be invited to bid online on Friday.

Frank Smith, of Tranzon, is listed as the contact on the auction website, but he had not returned a Journal phone call as of press time.

The 18-hole, 6,364-yard golf course is located on 135 acres, with a 2,400-square foot pro shop and 3,000 square foot maintenance building.

The sign posted at the entrance of Sunrise Golf Course says the property will sell “regardless of price with a bid of $475,000 or more.”

The course’s appraisal on Tranzon’s website is $900,000.

The Tranzon site has 45 photos of Sunrise Golf Course, which can be accessed by going to Tranzon.com and typing in “Colbert, Georgia” in the site search.

The course, formerly owned by developer John Byram, is now owned by BB&T.

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#1 Resident Redneck on 12/18/10 at 11:39 AM [Reply]

Wasn't this same golf course in the paper a while back saying how they were going to build homes around the course? I guess that plan didn't go over so well either? They probably figured out Colbert wasn't a good place for this?

#2 E.J. on 12/19/10 at 11:54 AM [Reply]

People in Madison County seem to think that subdivisions are damaging to the land. Maybe so, but not nearly so damaging as golf courses with all their toxic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers being washed into adjacent lands and waterways, not to mention the introduction of non-native plantings that escape. A golf course is horticulturally intensive and unnatural. Instead of spending time on the course, enjoy sunshine and fresh air while taking a long walk with friends, tending a wonderful garden or any number of pleasant pastimes outdoors.

#2.1 Dear EJ from sweetie on 12/22/10 at 11:10 AM [Reply]

Hey look at South Broad and Broad river and what about so called protection corridor having land disturbances. EJ float from Hwy 29 to Watson Mill and see what going on. This just as bad as subdivision stuff.

#3 Everyone But The Greedy Saw This Coming on 12/19/10 at 06:58 PM [Reply]

Shouldn't the rezone that was granted the dishonest idiot be undone and it be put back as it was? Isn't that automatic? Remember when he said he would have the pie-in-the-sky ridiculous "retirement" homes built "in 2 years?" Remember?

Guess what folks? 2 years came and went and he didn't hammer THE FIRST NAIL.

Commissioners: Please look at ALL these developments (the disheveled, failed "Reserve" at Rogers Mill a PRIME example) that SO MANY OF US said at meetings ABSOLUTELY were WRONG and would FAIL and were COMPLETELY out of sorts with our land use plan. LEARN from your stupid mistakes. YOU helped cause this mess by not LISTENING to you constituents and instead listened to GREEDY IDIOTS who hurt the land. WE TOLD YOU SO! Why didn't you LISTEN?

LEARN. And don't repeat these dumb mistakes that everyone except the dummies with dollar signs in their eyes could see were OBVIOUSLY were in the wrong place, propped up by people living off BORROWED funds, and were DOOMED before they were even started. As you see, when the "developers" BORROWED money runs out, they cut and run and stick YOU and ME with the bill.

Let's allow the "golf course" (that's a stretch) to turn back into the cow pasture it more closely resembles and what is a far more appropriate and efficient use. It looks like a cow pasture now. Just need to put the cows on it. I'll give them $1,250 / acre and I won't even charge them to bulldoze the "pro shop."

#3.1 Sherry on 12/20/10 at 01:09 PM [Reply]

Agreed. Funny how realtors, builders, commissioners and politicians like to say "no one saw this coming." But there we were, hundreds strong, many of us packed into the MC meeting room at zoning hearings telling them, "This is what's coming. This is what will happen if you approve all this crap."

"No one saw it coming." Yeah, right. We ALL saw it coming, and you can't say you didn't know because as someone pointed out WE TOLD YOU.

#3.1.1 Ben Had on 12/21/10 at 07:23 AM [Reply]

Interesting. What exactly did the "hundreds strong" fore warn the BOC of in those meetings that actually came true?
Was there conversations about things like derivatives and the impending collapse of the financial markets? If so,I'm impressed! If not,it just goes to show that a hundred whinning, squeaky wheels are annoying enough to prevent progress in our county.
Thanks for the civics lesson.

#3.1.1.1 Anonymous on 12/22/10 at 10:30 AM [Reply]

Specifically we said NO ONE would buy these lots and live in subdivisions in the middle of nowhere miles and miles away from anything. Commissioners and developers and the few who bought didn't listen. Now they are wishing they had!

Drive through the one at Rogers Mill. You call that progress? Looks like a dump, unfinished, unsold, and will stay that way JUST LIKE WE SAID at every meeting where it was discussed. They didn't even finish it. They didn't even finish it. They should be held to account for their lies just like the golf course guy.

It does appear to be an insider job because ANYONE and EVERYONE with common sense could see and came to meetings and practically screamed not only is it out of sorts with our land use plan, it also WON'T WORK. Sooooooo obvious, but they approved it anyway. Oh well. Those clowns lost their behind! It is rather Karmic! They would still have their money if, instead of backroom dealing THE MAJORITY out of the equation they had only LISTENED. That's got to hurt knowing that if they had LISTENED they wouldn't be bankrupt now!

#3.1.1.1.1 Resident Redneck on 12/22/10 at 04:21 PM [Reply]

Anonymous- I so agree BUT THEY think we don't know anything BECAUSE we don't have the title that the BOC has? The BOC thinks they know whats best for US? All they seen was dollar signs for the permits and other cost. Now it will probably never be done and if at some time someone does decide to finish the unfinished homes EVERYTHING will have to be changed and updated if the homes haven't fell down by then from rot and neglect?
When he went to the BOC he had big plans and may have had good intentions? BUT that's all it was, A PLAN. You can't live on plans and good intentions.

#3.1.1.1.2 Ben Had on 12/22/10 at 04:26 PM [Reply]

Dear Anonymous, you do realize that the Real Estate market CRASHED EVERYWHERE,don't you? I think the Rogers Mill suddivision and Madison County in general would be included in that area.

#3.1.1.1.2.1 Anonymous on 12/23/10 at 11:20 AM [Reply]

Exactly! And that's what we said right there in those meetings (look it up). We said to the commissioners and morons who built places like the Rogers Mill dump, "Y'all are overbuilding." "This is the wrong place." "These homes don't belong here, they won't sell" and "Y'all are crashing the market." The real estate market didn't just magically crash. It crashed BECAUSE of idiots trying to put subdivisions and houses everywhere! Overbuilt, shoddy homes and lots in every cow pasture MILES AND MILES away from ANYTHING. Anybody and everybody could see how ridiculous this stuff was and WE TOLD THEM. Wow...exactly what we said would happen came to pass, and I mean EXACTLY. They sowed it...and well, they are reaping it now.

#3.2 lis on 12/21/10 at 05:26 AM [Reply]

Agreed.The Reserve on Rogers Mill was a done deal from the beginning. What irritated me was there was a Mr. Shupe (a realtor) who lives in Hull standing up at the commissioner meeting and stating that this subdivision would be a good idea and he suppported it. Now why does a realtor from way over in Hull support a subdivision at Rogers Mill? Makes no sense. Greed and insider job from commissioners! Karma is real.

#4 Sardonic Veracity on 12/20/10 at 12:19 PM [Reply]

Here's a little history lesson to all you Athens people. That golf course has been in Colbert for a LONG TIME.

All your smug ranting about who should have done what and to whom and when is just evidence that you really don't know what you're talking about to start with.

The guy, who may or may not be a smart businessman... certainly on this deal he was a loser... tried to change it from a failing course to something he could make some of his money from. If memory serves me, he didn't get his rezone. Whatever his backup plan was, I don't know. Obviously, in this economy, nothing worked and now the bank owns it.

If you think a more "appropriate and efficient" use of that land would be to put a cow pasture in what is virtually downtown Colbert, you're about as smart a businessman as Byram. Can you imagine the problems you would have with all the city transplants that would be surrounding your pasture?

#4.1 E.J. on 12/20/10 at 05:00 PM [Reply]

I had very much liked the idea of a retirement community around an abbreviated golf course. Seems like the best Mr. Byram could do under the realities of our unending down economy. I feel for him in his economic loss.

#4.1.1 kim on 12/21/10 at 05:21 AM [Reply]

Don't feel sorry for Byram on this economic loss! He has screwed so many people and properties in his career! Somehow I think he didn't lose anything on this property.

#4.1.1.1 Veteran on 12/22/10 at 04:35 PM [Reply]

Byram I am told is a vet who served his country. He did not nor ever lied to me in my dealings with him. Weakness was trying to deal with people who he should have just drawn a line in the sand and noted " kiss my golf course grass ". Pethel I think once opposed Golf course plans and thus in slowing it down stopped the beginning of a retirement coummunity where someone with more funds may have bought the property for more than it will sell at auction and thus give us more taxes for EMT's which even benefits Pethel. So Kim maybe your one of those gals that he should just have ignored realizing no matter what your mind made up and probably so by others.

#4.2 Anonymous on 12/20/10 at 05:08 PM [Reply]

He was granted rezone. He specifically stated he would have his retirement community built in 2 years in a public meeting. He should be held to accountable in the form of fines to this county.

Maybe you should take a look at all the "transplants" surrounding the "golf course" that certainly looks more like a cow pasture than a golf course. Half or maybe more of those houses are vacant or in foreclosure or soon will be. That only proves the obvious that cow pasture is better than shoddily built, vacant, overgrown foreclosed subdivided eyesores that are a burden on the responsible citizens who pay their mortgages and their taxes and pay them on time.

Score it:
Cow Pastures 1, Subdivision Golf Crap 0.

And that's a Win for the cow pastures and farmland.

#4.2.1 Resident Redneck on 12/20/10 at 09:43 PM [Reply]

Anonymous- They can't hold him to what he said BECAUSE all he has to say is I ran out of money AND he'll also say he couldn't get the backers he needed to make it happen AND he didn't see this coming that he figured everyone would jump at the chance to partner with him? How can they hold him to his word when THEY DIDN'T EVEN SEE THIS COMING.

#4.2.2 SardonicVeracity on 12/21/10 at 12:38 PM [Reply]

What a short-sighted view of the world you have there.

#4.2.3 MC on 12/23/10 at 01:42 PM [Reply]

Hey since you like cow pastures I expect you to get stove and burn dried cow patties for heat. But that said agree with fines and start asking our code office people to do more as we pay their salaries.

#4.3 TC on 12/20/10 at 05:11 PM [Reply]

What kind of a ding-dong puts a golf course in Colbert? How could anyone take someone so dim seriously? If you think a golf course in Colbert makes sense, I've got some lakeside property in the desert to sell you.

#4.3.1 SardonicVeracity on 12/21/10 at 12:47 PM [Reply]

A ding dong who saw an opportunity many years before the real estate boom and bust. That golf course predates those houses by many years if you didn't realize. Maybe it was the same kind of ding dong who puts a golf course outside Commerce of all places. People put golf courses in all manner of strange places.

If you've got lakeside property in the desert for sale - your opinion is obviously suspect since you're either a swindler and a crook or a moron who buys lakeside property in the desert for a resale investment.

#4.3.1.1 Resident Redneck on 12/21/10 at 05:42 PM [Reply]

Yes Sardonic Veracity- I agree people do put Golf Courses in some strange places. Like I know a guy who built a Golf Course between Homer and Maysville, and at one time they wanted to build one at the end of Hoods Mill Rd. outside Commerce.

#5 Ben Had on 12/21/10 at 07:03 AM [Reply]

I am amazed at how shallow-minded some people can be.
Byram's golf course provided,jobs,entertainment, and tax revenue for the county for many years. To revel in the demise of this business just shows a complete lack of sensitivity or knowledge relative to the facts.
No one in their right mind would be building any houses in Madison Cty right now,regardless of approved zoning or not. This man tried for many years (while the economy was good) to get the zoning changed,only to be shot down by the BOC because of a vocal handful of whinny-babies that either wanted his business to remain as it was (for their pleasure) or because they have no life other than whinning.
All those subdivisions that you guys complain about provided your illiterate family members with a job painting,driving nails,and hanging sheetrock,etc.,etc,for the last twenty years. How stupid and ungrateful can you be?
Where is Billy Bob working now?

#5.1 Anonymous on 12/22/10 at 08:32 AM [Reply]

He's not. Read the Madison County Blotter and you will see where he is.

#5.2 K on 12/22/10 at 10:22 AM [Reply]

Karma.

'nuff said.

#5.2.1 MC resident on 12/25/10 at 12:05 PM [Reply]

I found the Byram guy to OK. Straight with me which not usual for real estate person.

#6 Angry, but polilte on 12/25/10 at 09:59 AM [Reply]

Merry Christmas to all.

I have been following the events of the golf course for a long time (nearly 25 years) and would like to share some of my comments and opinions about the situation.

First, in reference to who would build a golf course in Colbert, you can thank our Federal Government for funding the original construction of the "Jos-e-Lyn" golf course (not exactly sure of the spelling) back in the 60's.

The club was 9 holes and private. In the late 70's, the course when into bankruptcy and the FHA (I think) began foreclosure. It was bought by Jack Rhodes, a retired WWII disabled veteran MSGT, a "Golf Professional" who taught the game, rather than playing the circuit. Along with his membership in the PGA, Jack was a member of the Wilson Staff, schooled and certified in golf course horticulture and course operation. As a member of the United States Air Force his credentials earned him the position of Course Manager at bases in Orlando, Madrid (Spain), Homestead, Omaha, and after 22 years in the service, at the Cumberland Golf Course in Carlisle, Pa.

After taking on the financial obligation of the course, Jack did two things. He added the second 9 holes, and made it a public course. Madison Co now had a recreational course, club house, and swimming pool open to everyone. Jack ran the course the way he had learned it over the preceding 30+ years. Jack and his wife worked the course over the next decade; as homes were build beside the course and across the street. Finally it came time for him to really retire, and the course was sold to another professional golfer.

I do not have any animosity towards Mr. Bynum, but I think that if Jack had tried to open a real estate business, he might have encountered the same problems that Byrum did with the course. Anyone needs to understand the nature of the business, and the nature of your cliental, if you want to be successful. Jack supported the community, and his church. It was not a “if you build it, they will come” field of dreams to him.

I understand that there was an action last week. I hope that the course will go to someone who has a passion for the game, and knows how to return it to a profitable business. I believe that there is a place for this course in Colbert, adding jobs, paying taxes, and providing a place for those of us who can’t play tennis at the high school. I said that I was angry but polite. I have been polite in my comments about the course, but am angry that it was run into bankruptcy 50 years after being started, again by people who don’t know what they were doing. If you are a brain surgeon, stick to the operating room. Don’t try to be a rocket scientist too.

#6.1 Resident Redneck on 12/25/10 at 01:38 PM [Reply]

Angry but polite- You tell it. That's what I was thinking? Anyone with money can buy a business but if you know nothing about the business or how to run it? It ain't going to make you money? It will FAIL.

#7 Anonymous on 12/27/10 at 09:13 AM [Reply]

If business were a game of golf, Byram is hitting bogey's in the rough. Seriously, a golf course in Colbert? You gotta be kiddin' me. Tee it up on a cow pie, drive it with a Meadows hot dog wiener, and go for a hole-in-one into a Bread Basket coffee cup!

#8 Anonymous on 01/11/11 at 01:02 PM [Reply]

epic fail

nuff said

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