ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – The future of the World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village in St. Johns County is proving to be more complex than originally thought.
Currently, the county is seeking proposals for the Hall of Fame site and the adjoining IMAX theater, but the World Golf Foundation has initiated legal proceedings to contest existing usage restrictions on the property.
Deputy County Attorney Lex Taylor remarked, “From our perspective, the Hall of Fame seems to be struggling. Hence, if it isn’t succeeding, exploring new options seems logical.”
Taylor explained that a restriction imposed by the original developer in the late 1990s mandates that the property only be used as a golf-related Hall of Fame, yet he believes there might be some leeway.
The county owns the Hall of Fame and IMAX theater land, while the World Golf Foundation is still significantly involved. According to CEO Greg McLaughlin, “We still manage 37 acres, including the PGA Tour entertainment building.”
McLaughlin stated that the developer’s restrictions have led to a deadlock. “If actions aren’t taken, those properties may remain unused until 2046 when the restriction expires,” he said.
The Foundation initiated a lawsuit in February to lift these restrictions, which currently limit property use to the Hall of Fame, an 18-hole golf course, and PGA Productions.
McLaughlin indicated that discussions with the original developer, IT Land Associates, have not been fruitful, saying, “We proposed a financial offer in January but received no amendments from them.”
In response, IT Land Associates said, “The company is open to a resolution that safeguards its interests, along with those of other stakeholders affected by the Foundation’s relocation plans.”
The county is still receiving interest in the property, with Taylor noting that lifting the use restrictions would likely encourage more proposals. “I’ve heard there are concerns that existing restrictions may deter potential offers,” he added.
The next scheduled court date for the ongoing lawsuit is July 28.
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