Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting — The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles or GAAP. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The Company consolidates those entities in which it has an investment of 50% or more and has control over significant operating, financial and investing decisions of the entity.
Risks and Uncertainties Risks and Uncertainties — We plan to develop and construct our entertainment golf business through long term ground leases of existing retail real estate. Developing new entertainment golf venues requires a significant amount of time and resources and poses a number of risks. Construction of new venues may result in cost overruns, delays or unanticipated expenses related to zoning or tax laws. We face competition for potential site locations. Desirable sites may be unavailable or expensive, and the markets in which new venues are located may deteriorate over time. Additionally, the market potential of venues cannot be precisely determined, and our venues may face competition in new markets from unexpected sources. Constructed venues may not perform up to our expectations.
Use of Estimates Use of Estimates — Our estimates are based on information available to management at the time of preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the results of historical analysis, our understanding and experience of the Company's operations, our knowledge of the industry and market-participant data available to us. Actual results have historically been in line with management's estimates and judgements used in applying each of the accounting policies, and management periodically re-evaluates accounting estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from these estimates and materially impact our Consolidated Financial Statements. However, we do not expect our assessments and assumptions to materially change in the future.
Comprehensive Loss and Income Comprehensive Loss and Income Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, excluding those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners. For the Company's purposes, comprehensive income represents primarily net income (loss), as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, adjusted for unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale.
Revenue Recognition
REVENUE RECOGNITION

Golf Operations

Entertainment Golf Revenue from bay play, gameplay, events, and other operating activities (consisting primarily of instruction and merchandise sales) is generally recognized at a point in time which is at the time of sale or when services are rendered and collectability is probable.

Traditional GolfRevenue from green fees, cart rentals, merchandise sales and other operating activities (consisting primarily of range income, banquets and club amenities) is generally recognized at a point in time which is at the time of sale or when services are rendered and collectability is probable.

Revenue from membership dues for private club members and The Players Club members is recognized in the month earned. Membership dues received in advance are included in deferred revenue and recognized as revenue ratably over the appropriate period, which is generally twelve months or less for private club members and the following month for The Players Club members. The membership dues are generally structured to cover the club operating costs and membership services.

Private country club members generally pay an advance initiation fee upon their acceptance as a member to the respective country club. Initiation fees are non-refundable after the date of acceptance as a member and recorded as revenue over the expected life of an active membership, which is estimated to be seven years. The initiation fee revenue is deferred and recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the expected life of an active membership, which is estimated to be seven years. The determination of the estimated average expected life of an active membership is based on company-specific historical data and involves judgment and estimation. Until 2021, private country club members generally paid an advance initiation deposit which was refundable 30 years after the date of acceptance as a member. The difference between the initiation deposit paid by the member and the present value of the refund obligation is deferred and recognized into revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the seven year expected life of an active membership. The present value of the refund obligation is recorded as a membership deposit liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and accretes over a 30-year nonrefundable term using the effective interest method. This accretion is recorded as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Revenue from the reimbursement of certain operating costs incurred at the Company’s managed traditional golf properties is recognized at the time the associated operating costs are incurred as collectability is probable per the terms of the management contracts and the repayment histories of the property owners.
Seasonality

Seasonality can affect our results of operations. Our traditional golf business is subject to seasonal fluctuations as colder temperatures and shorter days reduce the demand for outdoor activities. As a result, the traditional golf business generates a disproportionate share of its annual revenue in the second and third quarters of each year. In addition, our Drive Shack and Puttery venues could be significantly impacted on a season-to-season basis, based on corporate event and social gathering volumes during holiday seasons and school vacation schedules. For this reason, a quarter-to-quarter comparison may not be a good indicator of our current and/or future performance.


Sales of Food and Beverages — Revenue from food and beverage sales is recorded at the time of sale, net of discounts.
Deferred Revenue Payments received in advance of the performance of services are recorded as deferred revenue until the services are performed.The majority of the Company’s revenue is recognized at the time of sale to customers at the Company’s entertainment golf venues and traditional golf properties, including green fees, cart rentals, bay play, gameplay, events and sales of food, beverages and merchandise. Revenue from membership dues is recognized in the month earned. Membership dues received in advance are included in deferred revenue and recognized as revenue ratably over the appropriate period, which is generally twelve months or less for private club members and the following month for The Players Club members.
Operating Expenses Operating Expenses — Operating expenses consist primarily of payroll, utilities, repairs and maintenance, supplies, marketing, technology support and operating lease rent expense. A majority of the properties and related facilities are leased under long-term operating leases.
General and Administrative Expense General and Administrative Expense — General and administrative expense consists of costs associated with corporate and administrative functions that support development and operations.
Pre-Opening Costs Pre-Opening Costs — Pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of employee payroll, marketing expenses, operating lease costs, travel and related expenses, training costs, food, beverage and other restaurant operating expenses incurred prior to opening an entertainment golf venue.
Deferred Costs Deferred Costs — Deferred costs consist primarily of costs incurred in obtaining financing which are amortized into interest expense over the term of such financing using either the straight-line basis or the interest method. Deferred financing costs are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability.
Interest Expense, Net Interest Expense, Net — The Company financed traditional golf and corporate using both fixed and floating rate debt, including mortgage loans and other financing vehicles. Certain of this debt has been issued at a discount. Discounts are accreted into interest expense on the effective yield or interest method, based upon a comparison of actual and expected cash flows, through the expected maturity date of the financing. See Note 8 for additional information.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense Stock-Based Compensation Expense — The Company maintains an equity incentive plan under which non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, and restricted stock units or RSUs are granted to employees and non-employee directors. Stock options and RSUs are expensed based on the fair value on the date of grant and amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The fair value of RSUs is determined using the stock price on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Unvested stock options and RSUs are forfeited by non-employee directors upon their departure from the board of directors and forfeited by employees upon their termination. All stock-based compensation expense is recorded as general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.Stock Options Stock options granted to the Company’s employees and non-employee directors were recorded as an increase in equity. See Note 11 for additional information.Restricted Stock Units or RSUs The fair value of the RSUs issued to the Company's employees and independent directors as part of annual compensation were recorded as an increase in equity.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and Equipment, Net Real estate related improvements and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs that both materially add value to an asset and extend the useful life of an asset by more than a year are capitalized which may include significant renovations, remodels and major repairs. Costs that do not meet this criteria, such as minor repairs and routine maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the lesser of the following estimated useful lives or the lease term:
Buildings and improvements
10-40 years
Finance leases - equipment
2-6 years
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
2-7 years
Leasing Arrangements The Company leases certain golf carts and other equipment that are classified as finance lease ROUs. The value of finance leases is recorded as an asset on the balance sheet, along with a liability related to the present value of associated payments. Depreciation of finance lease assets is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the expected lease terms. The cost of equipment under finance leases is recorded in "Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Payments under the leases are treated as reductions of the obligations under finance leases, with a portion being recorded as interest expense under the effective interest method.
Leasing Arrangements The Company evaluates at lease inception whether an arrangement is or contains a lease by providing the Company with the right to control an asset. Operating leases are accounted for on the balance sheet with the Right of Use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities recognized in "Operating lease right-of-use assets," "Other current liabilities" and "Operating lease liabilities - noncurrent" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finance lease ROU assets, current lease liabilities and noncurrent lease liabilities are recognized in "Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation," and "Obligations under finance leases" and "Credit facilities and obligations under finance leases - noncurrent" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively.

All lease liabilities are measured at the present value of the associated payments, discounted using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate determined using a portfolio approach based on the rate of interest that the Company would pay to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments for a similar term and in a similar economic environment on a collateralized basis. ROU assets, for both operating and finance leases, are initially measured based on the lease liability, adjusted for initial direct costs, prepaid rent, and lease incentives received. ROU assets for operating leases are subsequently amortized over the initial lease term into lease cost on a straight-line basis less imputed interest on the lease liabilities. Depreciation of the finance lease ROU assets are subsequently calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the expected lease terms and recorded in "Depreciation and amortization" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In addition to the fixed minimum payments required under the lease arrangements, certain leases require variable lease payments, which are payment of the excess of various percentages of gross revenue or net operating income over the minimum rental payments as well as payment of taxes assessed against the leased property. The leases generally also require the payment for the cost of insurance and maintenance. Variable lease payments are recognized when the associated activity occurs and the contingency is resolved.

The Company has elected to combine lease and non-lease components for all lease contracts.
An option to renew a lease is included in the determination of the ROU asset and lease liability when it is reasonably certain that the renewal option will be exercised.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company has additional operating leases that have not yet commenced of $53.8 million.
Real Estate, Held-for-Sale
Real Estate, Held-for-Sale Long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, which meet certain criteria, are reclassified to real estate held-for-sale and measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs of sale. The Company suspends depreciation and amortization for assets held-for-sale. Subsequent changes to the estimated fair value less costs to sell could impact the measurement of assets held-for-sale. Decreases below carrying value are recognized as an impairment loss and recorded in "Impairment and other losses" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. To the extent the fair value increases, any previously reported impairment is reversed to the extent of the impairment taken.
On March 7, 2018, the Company announced it was actively pursuing the sale of 26 owned traditional golf properties in order to generate capital for reinvestment in the entertainment golf business. On October 16, 2020, the Company completed the sale of the last held-for-sale traditional golf property for a sale price of $34.5 million and received net cash proceeds of approximately $33.6 million. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company does not classify any traditional golf property as held-for-sale.
Real Estate Securities and Impairment of Securities
Real Estate Securities — The Company invested in securities, including real estate related asset backed securities which are classified as available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair market value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income. At disposition, the net realized gain or loss is determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments and is included in earnings. Unrealized losses on securities are charged to earnings if there is an intent to sell or if they reflect a decline in value that is other-than-temporary. Income on these securities is recognized using a level yield methodology based upon a number of cash flow assumptions that are subject to uncertainties and contingencies.

Impairment of Securities — The Company continually evaluates securities for impairment. Securities are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, for financial reporting purposes, whenever there has been a probable adverse change in the timing or amounts of expected cash flows. The Company must record a write-down if it has the intent to sell a given security in an unrealized loss position, or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell such a security. Upon determination of impairment, the Company records a direct write-down for securities based on the estimated fair value of the security or
underlying collateral using a discounted cash flow analysis or based on an observable market value. Actual losses may differ from the Company’s estimates.
Intangibles, Net
Intangibles, NetIntangible assets consist primarily of management contracts, membership base and internally-developed software. The management contract intangible represents the Company’s golf course management contracts for both leased and managed properties. The management contract intangible for leased and managed properties was valued using the discounted cash flow method under the income approach and is amortized over the term of the underlying lease or management agreements, respectively. The membership base intangible represents the Company’s relationship with its private country club members. The membership base intangible was valued using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach and is amortized over the expected life of an active membership. Internally-developed software represents proprietary software developed for the Company’s exclusive use. Internally-developed software is amortized over the expected useful life of the software.

Amortization of intangible assets is included within depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Amortization of all intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method based on the following estimated useful lives:
Trade name 30 years
Management contracts
2 - 26 years
Internally-developed software
3 - 5 years
Membership base 7 years
Liquor licenses Nonamortizable
Impairment of Long-lived Assets Impairment of Long-lived Assets The Company periodically reviews the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets or asset groups, as well as finite-lived intangible assets and right-of-use assets, to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The assessment of recoverability is based on management’s estimates by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows generated by the underlying asset, or other appropriate grouping of assets, to its carrying value to determine whether an impairment existed at its lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If the carrying amount is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows, the assets are considered impaired and an impairment is recognized to the extent the carrying value of such asset exceeds its fair value. The Company generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate.
Membership Deposit Liabilities Membership Deposit LiabilitiesPrivate country club members in our traditional golf business generally pay an advance initiation fee upon their acceptance as a member to the respective country club. Initiation fees are non-refundable and recorded as revenue over the expected seven year life of an active membership. Until 2021, private country club members generally paid an advance initiation deposit upon their acceptance as a member to the respective country club that is refundable 30 years after the date of acceptance as a member. The difference between the initiation deposit paid by the member and the present value of the refund obligation is deferred and recognized into Golf operations revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the expected life of an active membership, which is estimated to be seven years. The present value of the refund obligation is recorded as a membership deposit liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and accretes over a 30-year nonrefundable term using the effective interest method. This accretion is recorded as interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.In 2001 and 2002 American Golf Corporation, when it was owned by a previous owner, entered into an Assumption Agreement and Amended and Restated Membership Deposit Assumption Agreement, respectively, with two trusts established by a previous owner of the American Golf Corporation (the “Trusts”) under which the Trusts agreed to unconditionally assume the obligations of American Golf to refund certain membership deposit liabilities in exchange for shares in the American Golf Corporation. The membership deposit liabilities assumed were refundable 30 years from the date of acceptance of the member with the first liabilities assumed by the Trusts becoming refundable in 2020. The total redemption value of membership deposit liabilities assumed by the Trusts was $158.4 million. Because of the substantial time period between the assumption of the liabilities and the first liabilities becoming refundable the inability to verify and monitor the assets of the Trusts to ensure the ability to perform under the terms of the assumption agreements, the fact that the Trusts are not required to maintain any assets that would support such performance and the Trust settlor was not required contractually to fund the Trust, no asset was recorded at the time of our acquisition of American Golf Corporation in recognition of this assumption agreement for the $158.4 million of liability assumed by the Trusts. The Company does not have the ability to determine the likelihood that the Trusts will meet its obligations. Should the Trusts not fulfill its obligations, the Company would be responsible for refunding the outstanding balance of the membership deposit liability and therefore, recognizes these membership deposit liabilities on its balance sheet. As of December 31, 2021 the Trusts had refunded a total of approximately $0.3 million of membership deposit liabilities under the terms of the assumption agreements.
Other Investment Other Investment The Company owns an approximately 22% economic interest in a limited liability company which owns preferred equity in a commercial entertainment and retail real estate project. The Company accounts for this investment as an equity method investment. As of December 31, 2021 the carrying value of this investment was zero.  The Company evaluates its equity method investment for other than temporary impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. The evaluation of recoverability is based on management’s assessment of the financial condition and near term prospects of the real estate project, the length of time and the extent to which the market value of the investment has been less than cost, availability and cost of financing, demand for space, competition for tenants, guest visits, changes in market rental rates, and net operating results.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash — The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Substantially all amounts on deposit with major financial institutions exceed insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in the accounts and believe that the Company is not exposed to significant credit risk because the accounts are at major financial institutions.
Accounts Receivables, Net Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.9 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon several factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical payment trends. current economic factors, and our expectations of future events that affect collectability. Collateral is generally not required.
Managed Property Receivables Managed Property Receivables – Managed property receivables consists of amounts due from traditional golf managed properties.
Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Expenses Prepaid expenses consists primarily of prepaid insurance and prepaid rent and are expensed over the usage period of the goods or services.
Deposits Deposits – Deposits consist primarily of property lease security deposits.
Inventory Inventory – Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Inventories consist primarily of food, beverages and merchandise for sale.
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued ExpensesAccounts payable reflect expenses related to goods and services received that have not yet been paid and accrued expenses reflect expenses related to goods received and services performed for which invoices have not yet been received.
Accrued Rent Accrued Rent - Accrued rent primarily relates to amounts accrued or owed for variable lease costs
Income Taxes Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the asset and liability method which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and liabilities related to the expected future tax consequences arising from temporary differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates applicable to the periods in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recognized if the Company determines it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be recognized.The Company recognizes tax benefits for uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. Interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are included as a component of the provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Recent Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The standard removes certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod allocations and interim tax calculations and adds guidance to reduce complexity in accounting for income taxes. The effective date of the standard will be for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The various amendments in the standard are applied on a retrospective basis, modified retrospective basis and prospective basis, depending on the amendment. The Company determined that the new guidance has no impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements
Valuation Hierarchy
The fair value of financial instruments is categorized based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique and categorized into a three-level fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Company follows this hierarchy for its financial instruments measured at fair value.
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
Level 2 - Valuations based principally on observable market parameters, including:
quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets,
inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, implied volatilities and credit spreads), and
market corroborated inputs (derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data).
Level 3 - Valuations determined using unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, and that are significant to the overall fair value measurement.

The Company’s real estate securities and debt obligations are currently not traded in active markets and therefore have little or no price transparency. As a result, the Company has estimated the fair value of these illiquid instruments based on internal pricing models subject to the Company's controls described below.
 
With respect to fair value estimates generated based on the Company’s internal pricing models, the Company’s management validates the inputs and outputs of the internal pricing models by comparing them to available independent third-party market parameters and models, where available, for reasonableness. The Company believes its valuation methods and the assumptions used are appropriate and consistent with those of other market participants.
Fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 are sensitive to changes in the assumptions or methodologies used to determine fair value and such changes could result in a significant increase or decrease in the fair value. For the Company’s investments in real estate securities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the significant unobservable inputs include the discount rates, assumptions relating to prepayments, default rates and loss severities.
All of the inputs used have some degree of market observability, based on the Company’s knowledge of the market, relationships with market participants, and use of common market data sources. Collateral prepayment, default and loss severity projections are in the form of “curves” or “vectors” that vary for each monthly collateral cash flow projection. Methods used to develop these projections vary by asset class but conform to industry conventions. The Company uses assumptions that generate its best estimate of future cash flows of each respective security.
Liabilities for Which Fair Value is Only Disclosed
The following table summarizes the level of the fair value hierarchy, valuation techniques and inputs used for estimating each class of liabilities not measured at fair value in the statement of financial position but for which fair value is disclosed:
Type of Liabilities
Not Measured At Fair Value Fair Value
for Which Fair Value Is Disclosed  Hierarchy Valuation Techniques and Significant Inputs
Junior subordinated notes payable Level 3 Valuation technique is based on discounted cash flows. Significant inputs include:
Amount and timing of expected future cash flows
Interest rates
Market yields and the credit spread of the Company
Earnings Per Share Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the additional dilutive effect of dilutive securities during each period. The Company’s dilutive securities are its options and RSUs.