**Note: The email is complete, but reddit's formatting is not accurate when I cut and pasted.**

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**From:** Ben G. Chase  
**Sent:** Tuesday, June 23, 2026 6:00 PM  
**To:** 'CityComm@gainesvillefl.gov' <CityComm@gainesvillefl.gov>  
**Cc:** 'eastmanbm@gainesvillefl.gov' <eastmanbm@gainesvillefl.gov>  
**Subject:** Ironwood - Gainesville Community Leaders Interest



Hey City Commissioners,

 

I’m reaching out officially as the lead representative of a group of local Gainesville Business Leaders & Owners interested in making a bid on Ironwood Golf Course. We want to respect the process and understand based on the information from the [Main Street Daily News article](https://www.mainstreetdailynews.com/govt-politics/gator-grads-ironwood-golf-course) that there is now a recommendation of a 30-day window to submit a proposal.

 

Since last Thursday we have rallied a group of at least 10-12 people as a leadership group, raised silent commitments that should be able to match the current offer, and put together a landing page for the [**future vision for Ironwood**](https://itstheclub.golf/)**.** Our leadership team consists of multiple industry experts who have ran public golf courses in the past, a handful of restaurant owners, and community leaders across multiple industries. Our vision is to build Gainesville a course they can be proud of, that anyone from any background feels welcome, and excited to play.

As we are doing our due diligence, we want to confirm the timeline on next steps. Do we need to have a tangible offer within 30 days? If so, we need a good amount of financials and background on Ironwood, if possible.

Here are a list of questions we have, and any data your team can provide would be greatly helpful.

 

* All data shared with the current bidders.
* Does this acquisition include the golf course, all buildings/structures on the golf course (club house, etc), and equipment currently used by the course/club (golf carts, kitchen, etc) and rights to all licenses/permits in place (liquor license, etc)?
* Complete list of all assets included in this acquisition
* Survey of the Property Lines and Zoning
* Any Geotechnical Reports, Flood Planes, Soil Conditions, Sinkhole, Asbestos
* Any pending or current lawsuits, liens, or debts
* Operation Expenses & 3^(rd) Party Vendor Contracts

   1. Wage & Salaries
   2. Contracts with Landscapers
   3. Contracts for maintenance or future projects
   4. Debt or Contracts for Golf Carts
   5. Insurance Coverages and Contracts (liability insurance)
   6. Utility Bills as far back as possible
   7. Annual Financial Reports for as far back as possible For both the golf course and restaurant
   8. Expense Reports for as far back as possible
   9. Sound & Light Ordinances for Course
   10. Operating Hour Restrictions

  


I know above is a lot, but I hope you understand that our group is seriously excited about this and want to make sure our lead investors are comfortable with the financials.

 

Finally, I would love to connect with each of you in person over the next few weeks to share this vision and see what we can do together to make Ironwood something you, and all of Gainesville will be proud of.

 

Best,

Ben Chase

 

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|:-|
|Ben G. Chase Head of NIL, Sports, & Entertainment|
|13900 Tech City Circle, Number 415, Alachua, FL 32615 [bchase@sandbergphoenix.com](mailto:bchase@sandbergphoenix.com)Tel: 352.260.0128 | Direct: 407.353.3216 | Fax: 314.241.7604 [https://www.sandbergphoenix.com](https://www.sandbergphoenix.com/)|

Local group of 'Gainesville Business Leaders & Owners' wants to purchase Ironwood Golf Course - City Commision Email