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Ron DeSantis Faces Political Backlash Over Golf Course Plan Involving Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus

Florida Governor under scrutiny after proposal to build golf courses in state park sparks protests.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing intense political backlash over a controversial proposal to build golf courses in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, one of the state’s protected natural areas. The plan, which would have involved renowned golfers Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, has been placed on hold following bipartisan opposition and public protests. If approved, the proposal would have seen the creation of two courses, one designed by Woods and the other by Nicklaus, with the latter offering his design services free of charge as part of a charitable effort.

The proposal was part of a broader plan to make changes to nine state parks, which included adding amenities such as pickleball courts and new lodges. However, the idea of placing golf courses in these natural spaces sparked the most controversy. Many environmental groups, along with politicians from both sides of the aisle, objected to the idea, arguing that it would lead to unnecessary development in Florida’s state parks.

Despite the strong reactions, DeSantis denied that he had personally approved the plan. His administration quickly distanced itself from the proposal, blaming leaks and premature publicity for the growing political storm. An administration official admitted that they “lost the narrative” on the issue and acknowledged the pushback was stronger than anticipated.

State Republican leaders, including Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, as well as Congressman Matt Gaetz, expressed their opposition to the proposal. Gaetz, in particular, urged DeSantis to intervene and prevent the plan, citing the need to preserve the state’s natural environment. The backlash also highlights a broader sentiment in Florida, where past proposals to build golf courses in state parks have faced strong opposition.

The plan, which was initially spearheaded by Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that supports military families, used golf as a way to raise scholarship funds for the families of fallen or disabled service members. However, the proposal’s potential environmental impact overshadowed its charitable intentions, contributing to its widespread rejection.

While Tiger Woods’ design firm, TGR Design, was involved in the early stages of the proposal, it has not publicly commented on the matter. The controversy over this plan has left the DeSantis administration in a difficult position, caught between its desire to support local business ventures and its responsibility to protect Florida’s natural heritage.

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