NEW LINKS IN CAPE GIRARDEAU?

A gated golf community, with an 18-hole golf course, condos, a golf club and other recreational facilities, may be coming to Cape Girardeau.

"We have already looked at three sites in Cape Girardeau County, most in or around the city limits," said Cord Dombrowski, a Cape Girardeau businessman.

Dombrowski, a leader in the Presswick Group, which will develop the project, said the group was about 10 months into the project.

The idea of a facility like this came up almost a year ago, said Dombrowski. At that time, we felt we would be looking at a two-year project.

The corporation, Presswick Group, has formed, a feasibility study is complete, and "we're currently in the land acquisition stage," said Dombrowski.

"Everything is in order," said Dombrowski. The feasibility study indicated that the project would be financially and economically feasible. The final analysis indicated a `GO' on the project.

Dombrowski's group has talked to a number of people in the area who are seriously interested in the Golf Club of Cape Girardeau project.

"We have also talked with a couple of highly recognized golf architects," added Dombrowski.

Things could start happening within a couple of months.

"We want to tour one more site," said Dombrowski. "Once we determine a location, engineers will come on site to address any environmental issues.

Golf architects will then come on site for preliminary planning for a golf course and other recreational facilities.

Following the selection of the golf planning/construction company, construction will get under way, not only on the course, but with real estate.

"We hope to see the real estate planning and golf course go simultaneously," said Dombrowski.

Dombrowski is familiar with golf courses and the planning that goes into them. He has been involved in the turf and grass business for more than eight years.

The company, Turfgrass American Inc., based in Austin, Tex., provides turf grass for large athletic fields, golf courses, commercial and residential landscaping.