Times are tight No. 1: The Jacksonville Area GA is best known for its championships but it also has an extensive scholarship fund. The association directors raise money each year and between 25-30 area students get college help.

But the help will be less. In recent years, the payout has been $1,500 per semester, but they're having to trim it to $1,000 because the money isn't flowing like the good times brought.

Times are tight No. 2: There's a good deal available at Palencia. They've cut the initiation fee and are offering a payment plan that should be attractive to you.

A golf membership for those who don't live on the property carries an initiation fee of $9,500 9it was 423,500) and your up-front payment is $2,375. You then can play in three installments with the first one not due until January.

Times are tight No. 3: Only 10 teams have signed up for the JAGA Two-Man at Deerwood on March 8.

* * *

Good news: Amelia Island Plantation has teetered on the brink for several years. The recession was the near-killer but things hadn't been good for some time. The community needs a facelift, there aren't enough hotel rooms and competition is fierce for the few groups and conventions still out there.

It seems that there are three serious buyers for the property and we hear that all are strong, reputable companies. Two of the three say they'll keep everything together; the third says it may break out some assets, such as the Royal Amelia course that's off-property.

* * *

Good work by the World Golf Village staff to land an under-the-radar tournament that's great for publicity.

The Golf Writers Association of America has placed its annual championship here on April 3-4, the weekend before the Masters. Don't know how many writers will be heading this way but past fields have been substantial, and some of the nation's top writers usually show up.

* * *

Condolences to the Alvarez clan in Fernandina Beach, maybe our area's most active golfing family. Patriarch Ybor Alvarez recently passed away at age 90.

* * *

Jacksonville University's second-best ever golfer may be on his way to No. 1.

Russell Knox recently won an eGolf Tour stop at Hilton Head by three shots for $34,306.

No. 1? Donnie Hammond, a PGA Tour winner.

* * *8

We have a No. 1 in our midst. The latest Golfweek/Sagarin College Rankings show Ponte Vedra resident Bud Cauley on top of the nation. He's at Alabama and will turn pro this year.

- Fred Seely is editor of Golf News.