UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

 

 

x

Quarterly report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

for the quarterly period ended: March 31, 2008

 

 

o

Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

for the transition period from              to

 

Commission File Number 001-14494

 


 

GOLF TRUST OF AMERICA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Maryland

 

33-0724736

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

 

 

10 North Adger’s Wharf, Charleston, South Carolina

 

29401

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(843) 723-4653
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such report(s) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x  No o.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o

 

Smaller reporting company x

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes o No x

 

On May 9, 2008, there were 7,317,163 shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock.

 

 



 

GOLF TRUST OF AMERICA, INC.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Going Concern Basis) as of March 31, 2008 and December  31, 2007

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Going Concern Basis) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Net Assets (Liquidation Basis) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

5

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

6

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

14

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

18

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

18

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

20

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

20

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

21

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

21

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults upon Senior Securities

21

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

21

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information

21

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

21

 

 

 

Signatures

 

22

 

1



 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

The following report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements are statements that predict or describe future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. All of our projections in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as statements containing the words “believe”, “expect”, “will”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “project”, “assume” or other similar expressions. You should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements because the matters they describe are subject to known (and unknown) risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our forward-looking statements are based on the limited information currently available to us and speak only as of the date on which this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Our continued internet posting or subsequent distribution of this dated report does not imply continued affirmation of the forward-looking statements included in it. We undertake no obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to issue any updates to our forward-looking statements, even if subsequent events cause our expectations to change regarding the matters discussed in those statements. Future events are inherently uncertain. Accordingly, our projections in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are subject to particularly high uncertainty. Our projections should not be regarded as legal promises, representations or warranties of any kind whatsoever. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements will likely differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, and such differences might be significant and harmful to our stockholders’ interests. Many important factors that could cause such a difference are described under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K (incorporated by reference) which you should review carefully.

 

2



 

GOLF TRUST OF AMERICA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Going Concern Basis)

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 31,
2007*

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

7,198,789

 

$

7,572,152

 

Escrow receivable

 

2,000,000

 

2,000,000

 

Receivables—net

 

480,581

 

534,591

 

Note receivable – current portion

 

221,212

 

 

Other current assets

 

245,201

 

148,899

 

Total current assets

 

10,145,783

 

10,255,642

 

Note receivable, net of current portion

 

210,368

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

5,314,612

 

4,393,641

 

Total assets

 

$

15,670,763

 

$

14,649,283

 

LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

294,291

 

$

266,226

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

467,551

 

436,201

 

Long-term debt — current portion

 

4,138,993

 

38,183

 

Member initiation fees and other deferred revenue – current portion

 

403,591

 

402,081

 

Total current liabilities

 

5,304,426

 

1,142,691

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

103,868

 

4,213,926

 

Member initiation fees and other deferred revenue – net of current portion

 

750,928

 

744,878

 

Total liabilities

 

6,159,222

 

6,101,495

 

9.25% Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares outstanding Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 90,000,000 shares authorized, 7,317,163 issued and outstanding

 

73,172

 

73,172

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

8,693,360

 

8,658,171

 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

745,009

 

(183,555

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

9,511,541

 

8,547,788

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

15,670,763

 

$

14,649,283

 

 


* Derived from audited consolidated financial statements

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



 

GOLF TRUST OF AMERICA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(Going Concern Basis) (unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2008

 

Revenues

 

 

 

Golf operating revenue

 

$

181,350

 

Food and beverage revenue

 

151,854

 

Membership dues and fees

 

514,314

 

Other club revenue

 

107,966

 

Total revenues

 

955,484

 

Expenses

 

 

 

Golf operating expenses

 

139,621

 

Food and beverage expenses

 

142,038

 

Other club expenses

 

351,780

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

146,539

 

General and administrative

 

858,527

 

Total expenses

 

1,638,505

 

Operating loss

 

(683,021

)

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

Other income

 

1,641,176

 

Other expenses

 

(6,300

)

Interest income

 

70,416

 

Interest expense

 

(92,262

)

Other income, net

 

1,613,030

 

Income before income tax provision

 

930,009

 

Income tax provision

 

 

Net income

 

$

930,009

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share—basic

 

$

0.13

 

Weighted average number of shares—basic

 

7,317,163

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings per share—diluted

 

$

0.13

 

Weighted average number of shares—diluted

 

7,324,371

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

GOLF TRUST OF AMERICA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS (LIQUIDATION BASIS)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2007

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

Net assets in liquidation, beginning of period

 

$

13,865,000

 

Changes in net assets in liquidation:

 

 

 

Adjustments to liquidation reserve:

 

 

 

Operating income

 

2,552,629

 

Net interest expense

 

(379,642

)

Other expense

 

(58,500

)

Increase in reserve for estimated liquidation costs and capital expenditures

 

(2,619,437

)

Changes in net assets in liquidation

 

(504,950

)

Net assets in liquidation, end of period

 

$

13,360,050

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

GOLF TRUST OF AMERICA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2008

 

Three Months
Ended
March 31, 2007

 

 

 

(Going Concern Basis)

 

(Liquidation Basis)

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in net assets in liquidation

 

 

 

$

(504,700

)

Net income (subsequent to liquidation accounting)

 

$

930,009

 

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income/change in net assets in liquidation to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in liquidation reserve and changes in fair value of real estate and non-real estate assets

 

 

 

2,620,437

 

Stock based compensation

 

33,744

 

 

Gain on legal settlement

 

(1,463,922

)

 

Depreciation

 

146,539

 

 

Amortization of deferred revenue

 

(56,481

)

 

Provision for bad debts, net of recoveries

 

(2,993

)

38,000

 

Non-cash interest

 

4,700

 

160,652

 

Other changes in operating assets and liabilities

 

79,457

 

(540,262

)

Decrease in liquidation liabilities

 

 

(418,842

)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(328,947

)

1,355,285

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(35,168

)

(170,146

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments on debt and capital lease obligations

 

(9,248

)

(448,204

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(9,248

)

(448,204

)

Net (decrease) increase in cash

 

(373,363

)

736,935

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

7,572,152

 

2,223,359

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

7,198,789

 

$

2,960,294

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid during the period

 

$

86,615

 

$

199,471

 

Non-cash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Assets acquired through capital leases

 

$

 

$

497,842

 

Gain on legal settlement:

 

 

 

 

 

Note receivable

 

$

431,580

 

$

 

Land and value of timber

 

$

1,032,342

 

$

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

GOLF TRUST OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008 AND 2007

(unaudited)

 

1.  Organization, Termination of the Plan of Liquidation and Alternative Business Strategies

 

Organization

 

Golf Trust of America, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated in Maryland on November 8, 1996 as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”).  In May 2001, after consideration of different strategic alternatives, the Company approved a Plan of Liquidation, the POL. As a result, the Company adopted the liquidation basis of accounting.  Subsequent to adoption of the POL, the Company sold 45 of its 47 golf courses. After consideration of its current strategic alternatives, the Board adopted a resolution declaring the termination of the POL advisable and the Company’s stockholders approved such proposal to terminate the POL on November 8, 2007. Therefore, financial statements subsequent to this date are presented under the going concern basis as an operating company rather than under the liquidation basis of accounting.

 

The Board believes that the termination of the POL affords the Company flexibility in maximizing value for its stockholders. Operating the Company as a going concern outside of the POL allows the Company to pursue alternative business strategies, including a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other growth initiative. The Board is still permitted to pursue the sale of the Company’s final property and/or consider the liquidation of the Company in the event that it is unable to identify and effect a viable alternative, but it would no longer be required to do so by the terms of the POL.

 

At March 31, 2008, the Company’s only remaining real estate asset is the Country Clubs of Wildewood and Woodcreek Farms, or Stonehenge, which represents two private golf courses operating under one club structure located in South Carolina. The title to Stonehenge is held by Golf Trust of America, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and the Company’s operating partnership.

 

Alternative Business Strategies

 

The Board has not limited the types of alternative growth strategies it intends to consider. Emphasis is to be placed on areas of historical Company expertise, as well as that of our management and board of directors.  See Note 8, Income Taxes, regarding discussion of net operating loss carryforwards in a business combination.

 

To date, the Company has not entered into a definitive agreement with another company regarding growth initiatives or a business combination.

 

2.  Basis of Presentation

 

Interim Statements

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 have been prepared in accordance with (a) accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and (b) the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X for smaller reporting companies. These condensed consolidated financial statements have not been audited by a registered independent public accounting firm; however, they include adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the judgment of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information for such periods. However, these results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or for the full year.

 

7



 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements in accordance with GAAP have been omitted as allowed in quarterly reports by the rules of the SEC. The Company’s management believes that the disclosures included in the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes are adequate to make the information not misleading, but also believes that these statements should be read in conjunction with the summary of significant accounting policies and notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed on March 31, 2008.

 

Consolidation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries GTA GP, Inc., and GTA LP, Inc., and Golf Trust of America, L.P., which holds title to the golf course properties, and GTA-Stonehenge, LLC which manages the remaining golf properties, and GTA-IB, LLC, which held the Company’s interest in the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, or the Resort, a four-golf course destination resort which the Company sold in July 2007.

 

Use of Estimates

 

Management is required to make certain estimates and assumptions which affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses reported.  Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues from golf operations, food and beverage and merchandise sales are recognized at the time of sale or when the service is provided. Revenues from membership dues are billed monthly and recognized in the period earned. The monthly dues are expected to cover the cost of providing future membership services. Prepaid dues are recognized as income over the prepayment period.

 

Membership Initiation Fees

 

Certain memberships previously sold at Stonehenge have initiation fees totaling approximately $1,326,000 that are refundable (without interest) based on specific conditions generally upon conclusion of a thirty-year required membership term, as defined in the Club Membership Manual. These refundable initiation fees may be refundable prior to the expiration of the thirty-year term under specific membership replacement conditions. The estimated present value of these potential refunds is approximately $334,000, which is recorded as an accrued liability at March 31, 2008 and accretes over the members’ remaining average contractual term using an interest rate of approximately 10.5%. The accretion is included in interest expense.

 

An initiation fee is required to be paid on all memberships at Stonehenge. The majority of our membership fees are not refundable and are deferred and recognized over the average expected life of an active membership. Membership initiation fees are deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the average expected life of an active membership, which based on historical information is deemed to be an average nine years for the all membership categories.

 

Stock based compensation

 

Compensation expense is determined by reference to the fair market value of an award on the date of grant and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment.

 

8



 

Earnings per Share

 

Earnings per common share are presented under two formats: basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share. Earnings per share are computed by dividing net income (after deducting any dividends on preferred stock) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings (loss) per common share are computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, including potentially dilutive shares such as options and warrants to purchase shares of common stock at various amounts per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the diluted earnings per share was the same as basic earnings per share since the effects of options would have been anti-dilutive.

 

Liquidation Basis—For the three months ended March 31, 2007

 

The Company adopted the liquidation basis of accounting upon the stockholder approval of its POL on May 22, 2001. From that date forward through and until November 8, 2007, all assets and liabilities had been stated at their estimated fair value and estimated settlement amounts. The estimated fair value had been determined using available market information and valuation methodologies deemed appropriate; therefore, these estimates were subject to revision with changes in market values. The Company was required to estimate and accrue the costs associated with implementing and completing the plan of liquidation. These amounts varied significantly due to, among other things, the timing and realized proceeds from golf course sales, the costs of retaining personnel and others to oversee the liquidation, including the costs of insurance, the timing and amounts associated with discharging known and contingent liabilities, transaction costs related to any sales and the costs associated with cessation of the Company’s operations.

 

3.  Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consists of the following:

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

Land at Stonehenge

 

$

356,860

 

$

356,860

 

Other land

 

1,032,342

 

—-

 

Buildings

 

1,540,654

 

1,520,284

 

Golf course improvements

 

2,347,724

 

2,347,724

 

Machinery and equipment

 

269,083

 

254,285

 

 

 

5,546,663

 

4,479,153

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(232,051

)

(85,512

)

 

 

$

5,314,612

 

$

4,393,641

 

 

At March 31, 2008, machinery and equipment includes certain equipment with a net book value of approximately $131,111 recorded under a capital lease or other financing arrangement. Depreciation expense amounted to $146,539 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Other land includes the appraised value 118.67 acres of raw land in Charleston County, South Carolina (which the Company obtained title to on March 5, 2008 in the final settlement of certain litigation which involved one of our former Board members and was known as the Young Complaints) of approximately $930,000 and the value of the timber that could be harvested from this land of approximately $102,000.

 

9



 

4.  Receivables

 

Escrow receivable

 

The escrow receivable of $2,000,000 is an amount due from the buyer of the Resort which was released on March 31, 2008 and received by the Company on April 3, 2008 plus accrued interest of approximately $31,000.

 

Receivables-net

 

The Receivables—net consists of member receivables at Stonehenge and interest receivable on the escrow discussed above.

 

Note receivable

 

The Note receivable of $431,580 ($221,212 current portion, $210, 368 long term portion) represents the net present value of a note receivable from Mr. Larry D. Young and the other plaintiffs in the Young litigation received as a result of a settlement agreement executed on January 31, 2008.  The promissory note is in the principal amount of $3,876,856, which outstanding balance will be considered satisfied in full upon timely remittance of the $500,000 in total scheduled payments.  The scheduled payments are $100,000 due on May 31, 2008 followed by a payment of $133,333 due on January 1st of 2009, 2010 and 2011.

 

5.  Debt and Lease Obligations

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 30,
2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving line of credit

 

$

4,100,000

 

$

4,100,000

 

Capital lease obligations

 

51,457

 

55,197

 

Installment credit agreement

 

81,623

 

86,712

 

Non-revolving loan

 

9,781

 

10,200

 

Total

 

4,242,861

 

4,252,109

 

Less current portion

 

(4,138,993

)

(38,183

)

Long-term portion

 

$

103,868

 

$

4,213,926

 

 

Revolving Line of Credit

 

GTA-Stonehenge, LLC, or GTA-SH, has a $4,200,000 revolving credit line with Textron Financial Corporation (“Textron”), which matures on March 18, 2009. This loan is collateralized by a security interest in Stonehenge. The interest rate is the prime rate in effect on the first business day of the month plus 1.75% per annum paid monthly resulting in an effective rate of 7.75% at March 31, 2008. The related security agreement contains events of default provisions that include, among others, non-payment of principal, interest or fees, violation of covenants, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, cross defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings, termination, dissolution or liquidation of GTA-SH, or the Operating Partnership, failure to cure the loss of certain licenses, permits or contracts, curtailment of utilities or services at Stonehenge and material judgments. In the event of the occurrence of an event of default, Textron is entitled to, among other things, accelerate all obligations of the Borrower under the aforesaid loan documents and sell certain of the Borrower’s assets, namely Stonehenge and related assets, to satisfy the Borrower’s obligations. This loan requires that the operations at Stonehenge for the immediately preceding twelve month period be sufficient to meet a debt service coverage ratio, as defined in the mortgage, of at least 1.20, as measured monthly. At March 31, 2008, GTA-SH did not meet the debt service coverage ratio (in part due to increased efforts to improve the playing quality of the golf courses by investing significantly in additional beautification, repair and maintenance projects, as well as attendant labor costs, related to the golf courses, but which do not qualify for capitalization accounting treatment).

 

In light of the fact that the GTA-SH has consistently met its financial obligations throughout the term of the loan, Textron waived said covenant violation as of December 31, 2007 and for 2008 subject to re-evaluation at December 31, 2008.

 

10



 

Other

 

The Company entered in to various other loan and capital lease obligations that have payment terms ranging from approximately $200 to $2,000 per month and interest rates of 6.5% to 9.0%.

 

6.  Stock Options and Awards

 

Employee Stock Options and Awards

 

The compensation committee of the board of directors determines compensation, including stock options and awards. Options are generally awarded with the exercise price equal to the market price at the date of grant and became exercisable in three to five years. The Company has several stock option/award plans as listed below.

 

The Company’s 2007 Stock Option Plan, which is stockholder approved, permits the grant of share options and shares to its employees for up to 700,000 shares of common stock. The Company believes that such awards better align the interests of its employees with those of its stockholders. Option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant; those option awards generally vest ratably over three years and have three to five year contractual terms from the vesting date. Certain option and share awards provide for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the Plan).

 

Stock Option Plan Transactions

 

On January 18, 2008, 50,000 option shares were granted from the 2007 Stock Option Plan to the Company’s CFO, Tracy S. Clifford and on January 23, 2008, 160,000 option shares were granted from the 2007 Stock Option Plan to the four independent members of the Company’s Board (40,000 to each member).  The estimated grant-date fair value of these options was $0.84 and $0.80 per share, respectively. The exercise price is $1.90 and $1.82, respectively, the closing American Stock Exchange price on the respective grant date, as specified by the Compensation Committee. Stock option expense of $33,744 was recorded related to these issued options and the 275,000 options shares issued to our CEO on December 14, 2007.

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black Sholes option valuation model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock and was estimated at 53.80%. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury bill rate in effect at the time of grant which was approximately 2.86% and 2.64%, respectively. The expected term in years is an average of four years. The total outstanding unvested options at March 31, 2008 is 485,000. At March 31, 2008, there was approximately $408,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested-share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2007 Stock Option Plan that will be amortized over the period ending January 23, 2011.  At March 31, 2008, these options had no intrinsic value.

 

Pursuant to the respective option plans, except the 1997 Non-Employee Director’s Plan, any options issued to employees who are subsequently terminated expire ninety days following his/her termination if not exercised. The options issued under the 1997 Non-Employee Director’s Plan are exercisable until their original expiration date.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2008, no options were exercised and 260,000 options expired.

 

11



 

7.  Other Income

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the Company recognized  $1,641,176 in other income.  This other income was primarily due to the recognition of a gain from the settlement of certain litigation formerly known as the Young Complaints.  In connection with the settlement, a note receivable that was recorded at its estimated net present value of $431,580 and raw land that was recorded at its appraised value of  $930,000 coupled with the value of the timber that can be harvested from this land of approximately $102,000.  Further, the Company recognized approximately $177,000 in income from the resolution of the property tax lawsuit related to the Resort.

 

8.  Income Taxes

 

As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company has approximately $84.0 million and $84.8 million of federal income tax net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) which may be utilized to offset taxable income generated in future years which are included in deferred income tax assets for the respective periods.  The Company recorded a valuation allowance for these carryforwards.  The Company had pre-tax income of approximately $930,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and a decrease of approximately $505,000 in net assets in liquidation for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  Since the Company had net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008, the net operating loss carryforward was reduced accordingly.    These net operating losses expire at various dates beginning with the 2021 tax year and ending with the 2026 tax year.  It is possible that some or all of these NOLs could be utilized by the surviving corporation in a business combination and could make the Company a more attractive potential business partner. However, the use of NOLs is subject to numerous rules and regulations, including limitations resulting from a more than 50% change in ownership or the sale of the remaining golf courses, which can substantially reduce the amount of NOLs that are ultimately available to offset income in subsequent years.  In addition, should an ownership change of control be deemed to have occurred, the Company may be limited by industry or line of business in its ability to successfully utilize existing NOLs.

 

9.  Commitments and Contingencies

 

Barter Transactions

 

Included in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations are non-monetary transactions arising from the trading of the lease of the Woodcreek Farms clubhouse, cart storage facility, tennis/swim building, and golf proshop facilities from the developer of the Woodcreek subdivision in exchange for our daily management, operating and staffing of such facilities.   Barter revenues and expenses are recorded at the estimated fair market value of the lease of such facilities. The Company recognizes barter revenues and expenses on the first of each month.  Barter revenue and expense for the three months ended March 31, 2008, totaled approximately $80,000.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

Lake Ozark Industries, Inc. and Everett Holding Company, Inc. v. Golf Trust of America, et al.

 

The titled action was brought in the Circuit Court of Miller County, Missouri, by a contractor, Lake Ozark Construction Industries, Inc. (“LOCI”) and its asserted assignee of lien and account rights, Everett Holding Company, Inc., in the fall of 1999 against numerous defendants, including the Operating Partnership. Plaintiffs assert LOCI performed construction services on, or that LOCI benefited, the property of various defendants, including the Operating Partnership. With respect to the Operating Partnership, plaintiffs seek to foreclose a mechanic’s lien upon property formerly owned by it. The lien is for the principal amount of approximately $1,276,000, plus interest at 10% per annum and attorney fees. Plaintiffs calculate interest to May 20, 1999, just prior to the lien filing, to be approximately $151,000 and interest thereafter to be $354 per day. The Court entered a written order granting the Operating Partnership’s Motion for Summary Judgment in April 2002 and a final judgment in November 2003. Plaintiffs appealed the ruling to the Missouri Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals on April 5, 2005 reversed the Circuit Court judgment in favor of us and remanded the case to the Circuit Court for further proceedings. On May 31, 2005, the Court of Appeals filed a modified Opinion, which again

 

12



 

reversed the Circuit Court judgment in favor of us and remanded the case to the Circuit Court for further proceedings. On March 12, 2008, a case management conference was held. The presiding judge set September 30, 2008, as deadline for completing discovery and scheduled another conference for October 8, 2008, at which time it is anticipated that the case will be set for trial. At this time, the Company is unable to assess the likely outcome of this litigation.

 

Property Tax Lawsuit

 

GTA-IB, LLC had filed lawsuits against the property appraiser of Pinellas County, Florida to challenge the 2004, 2005 and 2006 real estate assessment on the Resort property. Pinellas County filed a motion to dismiss, which was denied by the court. In January 2008, the Company settled the lawsuits with the Pinellas County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector for all years. As a result of the settlement, the Company received reductions in the 2004 and 2005 assessments and agreed to dismiss its 2006 lawsuit. Based on the reductions in assessed value, the Company expects to receive a total refund of approximately $177,000 of which $117,000 was received on or about February 25, 2008 and $60,000 is recorded as a receivable. The case is now closed.

 

Ordinary Course Litigation

 

Owners and operators of golf courses are subject to a variety of legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of operating a golf course, including proceedings relating to personal injury and property damage. The Company maintains insurance for these purposes, subject to deductibles and exclusions deemed reasonable by the Company. The Company is not currently subject to any material claims of this type.

 

13



 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

Golf Trust of America, Inc. was incorporated in Maryland on November 8, 1996. We have been engaged in a liquidation of our assets pursuant to a plan of liquidation approved by our stockholders. However, as previously announced and described more fully below, we are currently considering additional strategic options to maximize stockholder value. We were originally formed to be a REIT; however, as of fiscal year 2002 we no longer have our REIT status as a result of our repossession and operation of certain golf courses following the default of their original third-party lessees. As of May 9, 2008, our only remaining asset is the Country Clubs of Wildewood and Woodcreek Farms, or Stonehenge, held by us in fee simple, representing two private golf courses operating under one club structure located in South Carolina. The Operating Partnership holds title to Stonehenge. Through our wholly owned subsidiaries, GTA GP, Inc. and GTA LP, Inc., we held 100 percent of the interests in the Operating Partnership as of may 9, 2008. GTA GP, Inc. is the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership and owns a 0.2 percent interest therein. GTA LP, Inc. is the sole limited partner in the operating partnership and owns a 99.8 percent interest therein.

 

Termination of the Plan of Liquidation

 

The Board adopted a resolution declaring the termination of the Plan of Liquidation, or the “POL”, advisable and the Company’s stockholders approved such proposal to terminate the POL on November 8, 2007. Therefore, financial statements subsequent to this date are presented under the going concern basis as an operating company rather than under the liquidation basis of accounting.

 

The Board believes that the termination of the POL affords the Company flexibility in maximizing value for its stockholders. Operating the Company as a going concern outside of the POL allows the Company to pursue alternative business strategies, including a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or other growth initiative. The Board is still permitted to pursue the sale of the Company’s final property and/or consider the liquidation of the Company in the event that it is unable to identify and affect a viable alternative, but it would no longer be required to do so by the terms of the POL.

 

Subsequent to the termination of the POL, we have continued to own and operate Stonehenge which has approximately 960 members. Concurrently, we have placed renewed emphasis on initiatives to resume corporate growth in an effort to create value for stockholders. We are seeking to grow within areas of historical expertise and areas that management considers to be of logical interest, but will also evaluate acquisitions or business combinations in unallied industries.

 

There can be no assurance that the Company will successfully consummate a viable alternative growth strategy. The Company has limited financial and management capacity, will be competing with organizations possessing far greater resources, and is subject to specific industry and macro economic factors, many of which may prove outside of the Company’s control or sphere of influence.

 

Executive Summary

 

We reported net income of $930,009, or $0.13 per basic share for the three months ended March 31, 2008.  Due to the fact that we were under liquidation basis of accounting for the three months ended March 31, 2007, the two periods are not meaningful for comparison purposes; however, a comparison of the operating results for just Stonehenge which is comparable for these periods is provided below under the heading Results of Operations.  The net income for the three months ended March 31, 2008 of $930,009 was primarily due to the

 

14



 

recognition of a gain from the settlement of certain litigation formerly known as the Young Complaints.    In connection with the settlement, a note receivable that was recorded at its estimated net present value of $431,580 and raw land that was recorded at its appraised value of $930,000 coupled with the value of the timber that can be harvested from this land of approximately $102,000.  Further, the Company recognized approximately $177,000 in income from the resolution of the property tax lawsuit related to the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, or the Resort, which we owned until it was sold on July 16, 2007.

 

Operating expenses for the Company totaled $1,638,505 consisting of $146,539 in depreciation expense, $623,120 in operating expenses of the Corporate office and $788,345 in operating expenses of Stonehenge.  The Corporate office expenses primarily consisted of $170,435 in tax, audit and accounting consulting fees, $147,523 in salary and benefits, $55,063 in legal fees, $53,170 in insurance, $43,038 in settlement fees and expenses related certain claims now resolved, $33,744 in stock option expense and $120,147 in other fees and operating expenses such as board fees and expenses, rent and utilities, annual American Stock Exchange fees, certain annual taxes and fees and other miscellaneous operating expenses.

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

 

Stonehenge’s operating results which are included in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial results are provided in the table below.

 

 

 

For the three months ended
March 31,

 

Change
Favorable /

 

Stonehenge

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Unfavorable)

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golf operating revenue

 

$

181,350

 

$

152,721

 

$

28,629

 

19

%

Food and beverage revenue

 

151,854

 

165,313

 

(13,459

)

(8

)%

Membership dues and fees revenue

 

514,314

 

468,274

 

46,040

 

10

%

Other club revenue

 

107,966

 

23,211

 

84,754

 

365

%

Operating revenue

 

955,484

 

809,519

 

145,965

 

18

%

Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golf operating expenses

 

139,621

 

146,357

 

6,736

 

(5

)%

Food and beverage expenses

 

142,038

 

172,177

 

30,139

 

(17

)%

Other club expenses

 

351,780

 

345,024

 

6,755

 

(2

)%

General and administrative expenses

 

235,407

 

211,846

 

(23,561

)

(6

)%

Total expenses

 

868,846

 

875,404

 

6,558

 

(1

)%

Operating income (loss)

 

86,638

 

(65,885

)

152,523

 

231

%

Other income (expense)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

918

 

 

918

 

100

%

Interest expense

 

(7,803

)

 

(7,803

)

(100

)%

Other income, net

 

(6,885

)

 

(6,885

)

(100

)%

Pre-tax income(loss) exclusive of depreciation

 

$

79,753

 

$

(65,885

)

$

145,638

 

221

%

 

Note: We operated under the liquidation basis of accounting for the three months ended March 31, 2007; therefore, depreciation expense of approximately $146,300 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was excluded from the analysis above for comparability purposes.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, operating revenue increased by $145,965 (18%) and expenses decreased by $6,558 (1%) resulting in an increase in pre-tax income of $145,638 (221%) over the same period in the prior year. The revenue increase was due to an increase in member dues and fees of $46,040 and golf operating revenue which increased $28,629 (19%).  Included in other club revenue is $80,500 in barter transaction revenue which represents the fair market value related to the

 

15



 

management services we provide for the Woodcreek Farms amenities as contemplated in the use and access agreement with the developer of the Woodcreek Farms subdivision.  The cumulative net decrease in operating expenses in the other departments was $9,204 (5%).  The increase in member dues and fees revenue was attributed to a 10% increase in dues that was implemented in August 2007 and the implementation of a food minimum as part of the dues in October 2006.  The increase in golf operating revenue was attributed to an increase of approximately 500 golf rounds, higher greens and cart fees and increased merchandise sales compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Club operating expenses decreased $6,558 (1%), over prior year. This decrease was the net of an increase in other club expenses of $80,500 in barter transaction expenses which offset the barter transaction revenue described above and a decrease in operating expenses primarily in the maintenance department which decreased $67,086 (24%). This savings was realized due to a revised winter agronomic plan that was implemented in the first quarter which reduced labor costs, fertilizer and chemical cost. Food and beverage expenses decreased $30,139 (17%) compared to the same period in the prior year due to the decrease in food and beverage revenue as well as more focus on controlling labor costs and improving margins on cost of goods sold.   Other departments had a combined decrease in operating expenses of $13,394 (6%). General and administrative expenses increased $23,561 (11%) primarily due to an increase in property taxes of $9,750 (28%) coupled with an increase in the utilities, health insurance, employer taxes and other overhead expenses from the increased number of employees for the Woodcreek Farms Clubhouse and restaurant that opened in September 2006.

 

Employee Stock Options and Awards

 

On January 18, 2008, 50,000 option shares were granted from the 2007 Stock Option Plan to the Company’s CFO, Tracy S. Clifford and on January 23, 2008, 160,000 option shares were granted from the 2007 Stock Option Plan to the four independent members of the Company’s Board (40,000 to each member).  The estimated grant-date fair value of these options was $0.84 and $0.80 per share, respectively. The exercise price is $1.90 and $1.82, respectively, the closing American Stock Exchange price on the respective grant date, as specified by the Compensation Committee. Stock option expense of $33,744 was recorded related to these issued options and the 275,000 options shares issued to our CEO on December 14, 2007.

 

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black Sholes option valuation model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock and was estimated at 53.80%. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury bill rate in effect at the time of grant which was approximately 2.86% and 2.64%, respectively. The expected term in years is an average of four years. The total outstanding unvested options at March 31, 2008 is 485,000. At March 31, 2008, there was approximately $408,000 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested-share-based compensation arrangements granted under the 2007 Stock Option Plan that will be amortized over the period ending January 23, 2011.  At March 31, 2008, these options had no intrinsic value.

 

Pursuant to the respective option plans, except the 1997 Non-Employee Director’s Plan, any options issued to employees who are subsequently terminated expire ninety days following his/her termination if not exercised. The options issued under the 1997 Non-Employee Director’s Plan are exercisable until their original expiration date.  During the three months ended March 31, 2008, no options were exercised and 260,000 options expired.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company had pre-tax income of approximately $930,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and a decrease of approximately $505,000 in net assets in liquidation for the three months ended March 31, 2007.  Included in deferred income tax assets as of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007 are Federal and state operating loss carryforwards of approximately $84 million and $85 million, respectively.  The Company recorded a valuation allowance for these carryforwards.  These net operating losses expire at various dates beginning with the 2021 tax year and ending with the 2026 tax year.

 

16



 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Currently, our only sources of cash flow are from the operations of Stonehenge and interest income from our invested cash balances. GTA Stonehenge, LLC has a $4,200,000 revolving credit line with Textron Financial Corporation (“Textron”), which matures on March 18, 2009. This loan is collateralized by a security interest in Stonehenge. The interest rate is the prime rate plus 1.75% per annum paid monthly. This loan requires that the operations at Stonehenge for the immediately preceding twelve month period be sufficient to meet a debt service coverage ratio, as defined in the mortgage, of at least 1.20, as measured monthly. At March 31, 2008, the Company did not meet the debt service coverage ratio (in part due to increased efforts to improve the playing quality of the golf courses by investing significantly in additional beautification, repair and maintenance projects, as well as attendant labor costs, related to the golf courses, but which do not qualify for capitalization accounting treatment). In light of the fact that the Company has consistently met its financial obligations throughout the term of the loan, as of December 31, 2007 Textron waived the debt service covenant violations for 2008 subject to re-evaluation at December 31, 2008.

 

At March 31, 2008, our cash balance is $7,198,789. We are also expecting our liquidity to be improved in the near term through several means as described herein. We received the escrowed funds from the Resort sale in the amount of $2,000,000 plus accrued interest of $31,118 on April 3, 2008. Additionally, the promissory note that was executed in the settlement of the Young Complaints has scheduled payments as follows: (a) $100,000 principal due on May 31, 2008; (b) $133,334 principal due on January 1, 2009; (c) $133,333 principal due on January 1, 2010; (d) $133,333 principal due on January 1, 2011. In the event these installments are not received timely, the note provides for an additional installment of $3,376,856 principal, plus interest. Also, the Board is currently assessing future plans for the land that we obtained title to in the settlement of the Young Complaints (approximately 118 acres of undeveloped land in Charleston County, South Carolina), which could provide additional liquidity.

 

Stonehenge has historically possessed sufficient liquidity to cover its operations. Stonehenge has also covered the Textron debt service for the first quarter of 2008 and is expected to cover the Textron debt service for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. Management is focused on several membership initiatives to grow the membership at Stonehenge, which it anticipates will increase revenues and enhance cash flow. Management is currently anticipating capital expenditures in 2008 at Stonehenge of approximately $100,000 (of which approximately $25,000 was expended in the first quarter of 2008) which will be funded by cash flow from Stonehenge operations. The technological infrastructure at the Company’s corporate office is currently being updated at a cost of approximately $12,000 which is being funded from existing cash balances. We currently intend to pay corporate overhead in 2008 from current cash balances. Several cost reduction initiatives have been implemented at corporate headquarters to reduce operating expense including reduction of professional fees which are expected to decrease as we are no longer under the POL, reduction of Board fees, consolidation of office space, reduction of staff, and elimination of certain services. However, the corporate overhead expense for 2008 may be impacted if we are successful in completing an acquisition or other growth initiative.

 

The Company believes that it possesses adequate liquidity and capital resources to conduct its operations. In the event that the Company pursues an acquisition or other strategic alternative requiring significant capital investment, it is anticipated that funding will be provided by cash on hand, equity issuance, debt issuance, commercial credit facilities, or a combination of the aforementioned.

 

17



 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of March 31, 2008, we have no off balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

 

There have not been any material changes from the contractual obligations, contingent liabilities and commitments previously disclosed in our 2007 annual report for fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.  Please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed on March 31, 2008, for a description of our contractual obligations.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation has not had a significant impact on us. As operating costs and expenses increase, we generally attempt to offset the adverse effects of increased costs by increasing prices in line with industry standards. However, we are subject to the risks that our costs of operations will increase and we will be unable to offset those increases through increased dues and fees without adversely affecting demand. In addition to inflation, factors that could cause operating costs to rise include, among other things, increased labor costs, lease payments at our leased facilities, energy costs and property taxes.

 

Seasonality

 

Since Stonehenge is a private membership club, the monthly member dues are the same throughout the year; however, swim and tennis revenues and expenses are higher in the summer months.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

We have not entered into any transactions using derivative financial instruments. We are subject to market risk associated with changes in interest rates applicable to the $4,100,000 revolving line of credit.  As of March 31, 2008, a 25 basis point movement would have resulted in a $10,000 annualized increase or decrease in interest expense and cash flows.

 

We have not entered into any transactions using foreign currency or derivative commodity instruments; therefore, we do not face any foreign currency exchange rate risk or commodity price risk.

 

Reference is made to Note 6, Debt, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 for additional debt information.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our management assesses the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures based upon the prevailing facts and circumstances, including management’s reasonable judgment of such facts.

 

18



 

As of March 31, 2008, we evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,  the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)). Management concluded that as of March 31, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to us (including our consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in our Exchange Act reports.

 

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

19



 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are currently involved in, or prior to the filing of this Annual Report we have concluded, the following legal proceedings:

 

Young Complaints

 

On March 22, 2004, a lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Florence Division, by one of our prior directors, Larry D. Young (together with Danny L. Young, Kyle N. Young, the Young Family Irrevocable Trust and The Legends Group, Ltd.) (collectively “the Youngs”), against our independent auditors, BDO Seidman, LLP, and three former BDO partners (the “BDO Defendants”), and the Company and our executive officers (the “GTA Defendants”).

 

The complaint alleged that the BDO Defendants engaged in professional malpractice, misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud by counseling plaintiffs to participate in a type of tax shelter transaction allegedly held illegal by the Internal Revenue Service, and that the GTA Defendants conspired with the BDO Defendants to convince Mr. Young that he would realize a large projected tax gain in order to induce Mr. Young (and the other plaintiffs) to enter into the failed tax shelter transaction. The plaintiffs sought damages of at least $3.7 million, together with legal expenses and other costs. On February 1, 2008, the Company and the Youngs filed with the court an agreement to settle all disputes. Pursuant to the settlement agreement, the plaintiffs have paid the Company $500,000 in the form of an installment note and transfer title to certain land in Charleston County, South Carolina to the Company. The court found that the parties had settled this dispute and declared the post-trial motions moot on February 19, 2008. The Youngs and BDO Seidman, LLP and its partners had previously resolved their differences. The case is now closed. The Settlement Agreement, Confession of Judgment and Promissory Note executed in this settlement were filed as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, respectively, to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 4, 2008.

 

Lake Ozark Industries, Inc. and Everett Holding Company, Inc. v. Golf Trust of America, et al.

 

The titled action was brought in the Circuit Court of Miller County, Missouri by LOCI, and its asserted assignee of lien and account rights, Everett Holding Company, Inc., in the fall of 1999 against numerous defendants, including the Operating Partnership. Plaintiffs assert LOCI performed construction services on, or that benefited, the property of various defendants, including the Operating Partnership. With respect to the Operating Partnership, plaintiffs seek to foreclose a mechanic’s lien upon property formerly owned by the Operating Partnership. The lien is for the principal amount of approximately $1,276,000, plus interest at 10% per annum and attorney fees. Plaintiffs calculate interest to May 20, 1999, just prior to the lien filing, to be approximately $151,000 and interest thereafter to be $354 per day. The Court entered a written order granting the Operating Partnership’s Motion for Summary Judgment in April 2002 and a final judgment in November 2003. Plaintiffs appealed the ruling to the Missouri Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals on April 5, 2005 reversed the Circuit Court judgment in favor of us and remanded the case to the Circuit Court for further proceedings. On May 31, 2005, the Court of Appeals filed a modified Opinion, which again reversed the Circuit Court judgment in favor of us and remanded the case to the Circuit Court for further proceedings. On March 12, 2008, a case management conference was held. The presiding judge set September 30, 2008, as deadline for completing discovery and scheduled another conference for October 8, 2008, at which time it is anticipated that the case will be set for trial. At this time, the Company is unable to assess the likely outcome of this litigation.

 

Routine Litigation

 

Owners and operators of golf courses are subject to a variety of legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of operating a golf course, including proceedings relating to personal injury and property damage. We have in the past been, and expect to continue in the future to be, subject to proceedings relating to personal injury and property damage. Such proceedings are generally brought against the operator of a golf course, but may also be brought against the owner of the golf course. We maintain insurance to defend against certain of these actions.

 

20



 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit 
No.

 

Description

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of the registrant’s Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of the registrant’s Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of the registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

21



 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

GOLF TRUST OF AMERICA, INC.

 

 

 

Date: May 12, 2008

By:

/s/ Michael C. Pearce

 

 

Michael C. Pearce

 

 

Chief Executive Officer and President

 

 

 

Date: May 12, 2008

By:

/s/ Tracy S. Clifford

 

 

Tracy S. Clifford

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

 

22