heather-under-new-ownership

GOLF
Famous investor Warren Buffett has a simple saying: “We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy when others are fearful.”
To Hernando County businessman Walter Viveiros, that saying goes a long way in describing why he would now buy the Heather Golf and Country Club in Weeki Wachee.
The course, a nine-hole, par-33, 2,456-yard club located on St. Andrews Boulevard just off U. S. Highway 19, was built in 1974 on 60 acres of land.
“I have my offices right outside the course and I once told the Board of Directors there that if they were ever interested in selling the place, I would like to buy it,” Viveiros said. “And I see so much opportunity there. I want to create a family opportunity for the county and turn it into a viable asset.”
With his partner Bart Citro, Viveiros began negotiating to purchase the club eight months ago and the two believe that the Heather is a hidden gem waiting for the right moment to break loose.
“A lot of people don’t even know we’re here, but I think we’re walking into a very good situation,” Citro said recently.
The course was built and run by over 300 members, but in recent times, the number of members had fallen to just over 50. The fact that Viveiros’ offices were just outside the course, which could be seen out the window, was something that intrigued him.
“I’m not a gambler,” Viveiros said. “I’m taking a calculated risk. But in the last 25 years, I’ve never seen as much opportunity as there is out there now.”
According to Citro, the course will be improved by extending the tees along with improving the clubhouse and pro shop.
“We’re also talking about having a heated pool, a workout room and a driving range,” Citro said.
“I’ve played this course a lot and it can fool you. People come in here and think they can just tear up the place, but it’s more than a par-3 course.”
Green fees are $18 to ride a cart and $12 to walk nine holes before 1 p.m., and $16 and $10 after. Viveiros admitted that money is tight now, but to his way of thinking, buying the golf course really isn’t a risk.
“What we want to do is create a package to fit the people of Hernando County’s needs, because in this post-recession, people are looking for value,” Viveiros said.
Citro also said that because the golf course is less than 3,000 yards, it can fit into many people’s plans.
“A lot of people don’t have the time to take the four to six hours it takes to play most golf courses,” Citro said. “But with the Heather, it just takes two hours and while it’s not a tough course, it does offer its own challenges.”
Citro also said that before beginning working at the club, he spent a lot of time in research.
“Before I began, I spent a month researching all I could about golf and I think we’re going to make it a family-friendly place, somewhere that people who want to learn the game can come and play without a lot of pressure,” Citro said.
Viverios also said that hopefully on March 20, he will have an open house to show the plans he has for the club.
“A lot of it has to do with timing,” he said. “With the cost of land and building a golf course, it’s a big investment.
“But right now, people are looking for value in things they do, and we can provide that. We want to make packages for the individual because I see a lot of opportunity there.”