This is to address concerns for the rezoning and dismemberment of Riddell’s Bay Golf and Country Club from a long-term member and visitor. I am an American citizen, but have long-time ties to Bermuda. Maybe it offers some different views.

I can see where some people may feel that golf is struggling, and that golf serves only a small percentage of the community. If attrition is necessary, so be it. That may be true for some things, but on an island that wants more tourism?

I am certainly in agreement that it could be more community-inclusive and, with some small amount of thought, it can be — particularly with the youth. Some argue that golf closures are huge in the States and therefore it makes some sense in Bermuda, too. I understand we overbuilt here, but few places in the States have as much at stake regarding closures; its effects run deeper for Bermudians.

Exactly 50 years ago last month, I made my first visit to Bermuda. No other place I have seen has had such an impact on me and my family. I have also been an overseas member at Riddell’s Bay for about 15 years and it was the tipping point for my acquisition of a share at the Reefs Club in 2008 — pre-construction. Enough of that, but I wanted you to understand that this is not a casual opinion. I am not a wealthy person by most measures and my investment in Bermuda represents a very significant portion of my life’s discretionary spending.

I beg you to consider preventing the destruction of the oldest golf sanctuary in Bermuda — and not just for golf. I cannot sufficiently underscore the importance of such things to Bermudians, from my vantage point.

For decades, I have listened to dozens of taxi owners, hotel workers, restaurateurs, The Royal Gazette, and all my island acquaintances lament the ever-shrinking tourist trade. And yet there has been very little capital investment in tourism during my half-century of visits. Other than the small hotel at Tucker’s Point, the only “new” hotel of note is the Fairmont from the early Seventies. Port Royal was built at about the same time. The Dockyard has been enhanced, but frankly, it is on one remote end of the island, principally supports cruise ships and may not expose the best of Bermuda. Fractional residences have grown, but are a very small segment — and they have also struggled with the decreasing tourism.

Much of the rest has been an orderly contraction of all things of tourism — Lantana, Bermudiana, Elbow Beach shrinkage, Carlton/Sonesta, Belmont’s hotel, Trimingham’s, St George’s Golf Club are a few examples. But you certainly know this. Has Bermuda changed? Well, no, not really. Your people, your location, your culture and beaches remain as they have always been — nearly perfect.

Bermuda has only two unique and enduring assets: an indescribably beautiful setting and proximity to more money than almost any place on the planet. Add to that, the lack of a language or currency barrier with a safe, friendly environment, and I wonder how tourism can suffer. I have a theory.

Fortuitous financial opportunities have been a blessing to the island’s economy — and a great distraction. Reinsurance and its attendant activity has been a financial boon, but hangs on the thread of tax laws. If those laws ever change, there would be little reason to use Bermuda as a financial mecca. As you may have seen recently, one stroke of a presidential pen aimed at repatriating corporate assets held hostage in foreign banks could cripple offshore financial activities. Our new “chief executive” has such intentions, and if he doesn’t, certainly someone will one day.

Twenty-one square miles is all you have. Sixty-seven acres of open space would be a great and irreversible loss. The 50 acres proposed as green space will endure until the next deal can be struck. We all know that. How could you possibly consider the short, one-time financial gain of just a few people more important than preservation of such a real resource? Please do not let this happen.

The previous owner group of Riddell’s Bay failed to make a financial success — not for lack of trying — but that is not because the task is impossible. It is simply evidence that the plan may need revision. Golf is not as “hot” as it was in the 1990s, but it is a more popular hobby than it ever was in the Fifties or Sixties. Do you realise how many golfers there are within a two-hour flight? Trapped in snow? Florida cannot compete. The weather is about the same and the flight is nearly twice as long. It takes a day each way to Arizona or California. You are an unbelievable four-season golf destination that is so underpublicised.

Riddell’s is different than all other golf venues in Bermuda. It combines breathtaking views with Bermudian friendliness set among wonderful neighbours. It offers a challenging, but suitable track for all levels of men and women golfers. If I were given the choice to play any course on the island at no cost, I would be at Riddell’s.

This situation arose rather quickly and as a surprise to many — particularly overseas visitors. While transacted publicly and according to policy, there may have been an inadequate opportunity for an alternative group to promote a great plan. You need a four-season tourism draw. Think about it. Bermuda has never been a true four-season beach destination. But golf?

The gift of the America’s Cup will bring a singular opportunity to revitalise tourism. Use that opportunity and remember your real blessings. Preserve your beautiful home and please share it with all of us.

Please remember. You have two undeniably unique assets: your beautiful setting and culture, and the shortest possible trip for all the winter-worn people of the northeast United States.

•Steve Comeau is a graduate of Norwich University in Vermont, and a retired co-founder of a computer software consultancy located in northeast United States. He and his family are Reefs Club owners and very frequent Bermuda visitors since 1967