Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

v3.19.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

GENERAL

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.

For entities over which the Company exercises significant influence, but which do not meet the requirements for consolidation, the Company uses the equity method of accounting whereby it records its share of the underlying income of such entities.

Noncontrolling interest represents the equity interest in certain consolidated subsidiaries not owned by the Company. This is related to our Traditional Golf business, a portion of which the Company does not own. In October 2016, the Company exited certain golf properties in which the Company had a noncontrolling interest. The noncontrolling interest associated with the remaining golf property has a carrying value of zero. See Note 11 for additional information.

Prior Period Reclassifications — Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period's presentation. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company internalized management (as discussed in Note 12) and records corporate overhead, including corporate payroll and related expenses, in "General and administrative expense" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Prior to January 1, 2018, the Company reported corporate overhead, including corporate payroll and related expenses, related to the Traditional Golf business in "Operating expenses" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The Company reclassified $14.8 million and $15.3 million from "Operating expenses" to "General and administrative expense" for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments effective January 1, 2018, which requires retrospective adjustment to all periods.  For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the adjustment resulted in an increase of $0.8 million and $0.7 million in “Other financing activities”, respectively, and a decrease of $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, in “Change in Accounts payable and accrued expenses, deferred revenue, other current liabilities and other liabilities - noncurrent.”

The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash effective January 1, 2018, which requires retrospective adjustment to all periods. The addition of the reconciliation of restricted cash for the years ended December 31, 2016 included an increase of $4.3 million in "Margin deposits under repurchase agreements and derivatives", an increase of $2.3 million in “Principal repayments from investments”, a decrease of $2.7 million in “Repayment of debt obligations”, a decrease of $0.1 million in "Gain on deconsolidation" and a decrease of $0.1 million in "Other (gains) losses, net." There were no adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the addition of the reconciliation of restricted cash.
Risks and Uncertainties — We plan to develop and construct our Entertainment Golf business through long term land leases, land acquisition and redevelopment of existing golf courses and other similar customary real estate agreements. 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 venue locations. Desirable venues 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. For additional information, see Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors - Risk Related to Our Business.”

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Comprehensive 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, as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, adjusted for unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale.

The following table summarizes the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income:
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Net unrealized gain on securities
$
1,878

 
$
1,370

Accumulated other comprehensive income
$
1,878

 
$
1,370



REVENUE RECOGNITION

Golf Operations

Entertainment Golf — Revenue from bay play, 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, when services are rendered and collection is reasonably assured.

Revenue from general memberships is recognized at the time of sale. Dues from other membership programs are included in deferred revenue and recognized as revenue ratably over the appropriate period, which is generally twelve months or less.

Traditional Golf — Revenue 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, when services are rendered and collection is reasonably assured.

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 deposit upon their acceptance as a member to the respective country club. Initiation fee deposits are refundable 30 years after the date of acceptance as a member. The difference between the initiation fee 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 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 a significant judgment based on company-specific historical membership addition and attrition data. 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 collection is reasonably assured per the terms of the management contracts and the repayment histories of the property owners.

Sales of Food and Beverages — Revenue from food and beverage sales are recorded at the time of sale, net of discounts.

Real Estate Securities — The Company invested in securities, including real estate related asset backed securities. 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. Upon settlement of the sale of securities, the excess (or deficiency) of net proceeds over the net carrying value of such security was recognized as a gain (or loss) in the period of settlement.

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 evaluation of a security’s estimated cash flows includes the following, as applicable: (i) review of the credit of the issuer or the borrower, (ii) review of the credit rating of the security, (iii) review of the key terms of the security (iv) analysis of the effect of local, industry and broader economic factors, and (v) analysis of historical and anticipated trends in defaults and loss severities for similar securities. 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.
Realized and Unrealized (Gain) Loss on Investments and Other Income (Loss), Net — These items are comprised of the following:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
(Gain) on settlement of real estate securities
$
—

 
$
(2,345
)
 
$
(19,129
)
Loss on settlement of real estate securities
—

 
2,803

 
16,178

Realized (gain) loss on settlement of non-hedge derivatives, net
(227
)
 
4,669

 
(18,318
)
(Gain) loss on settlement of loans held-for-sale
—

 
(12
)
 
48

Unrealized loss on securities, intent-to-sell
—

 
558

 
23,128

Unrealized loss (gain) on non-hedge derivative instruments
96

 
570

 
(1,222
)
Realized and unrealized loss (gain) on investments
$
(131
)
 
$
6,243

 
$
685

 
 
 
 
 
 
(Loss) on lease modifications and terminations
$
(939
)
 
$
(161
)
 
$
(62
)
(Loss) on extinguishment of debt, net
(1,542
)
 
(294
)
 
(780
)
Collateral management fee income, net
575

 
387

 
592

Equity in earnings (losses) of equity method investments
1,471

 
1,536

 
(1,338
)
Gain (loss) on disposal of long-lived assets and intangibles
8,704

 
(295
)
 
(22
)
Other (loss) (A)
(5,389
)
 
(1,079
)
 
(2,244
)
Other income (loss), net
$
2,880

 
$
94

 
$
(3,854
)

(A)
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded a net loss of approximately $4.9 million related to the settlement of a legal dispute and a related discharge of liabilities assumed by the counterparty to the settlement. See Note 13 for additional information.


Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Into Net Income — The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. There were no reclassifications from AOCI into net income during the year ended December 31, 2018.
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income or AOCI Components
 
Income Statement
Location
 
2017
 
2016
Net realized (gain) loss on securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment
 
Impairment
 
$
—

 
$
54

(Gain) on settlement of real estate securities
 
Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investments
 
(2,345
)
 
(19,129
)
Loss on settlement of real estate securities
 
Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investments
 
—

 
16,178

Realized (gain) on deconsolidation of CDO VI
 
Gain on deconsolidation
 
—

 
(20,682
)
Unrealized loss on real estate securities, intent-to-sell, reclassified from AOCI into income
 
Realized and unrealized (gain) loss on investments
 
—

 
23,128

 
 
 
 
$
(2,345
)
 
$
(451
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized (gain) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of deferred hedge (gain)
 
Interest expense, net
 
—

 
(20
)
 
 
 
 
$
—

 
$
(20
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications
 
 
 
$
(2,345
)
 
$
(471
)


EXPENSE RECOGNITION

Operating Expenses — Operating expenses consist primarily of payroll (Entertainment Golf venue level and Traditional Golf property level), utilities, repairs and maintenance, supplies, marketing and operating lease rent expense.

Entertainment Golf
Operating expenses for Entertainment Golf also include information technology-related support and maintenance.
Traditional Golf
Operating expenses for Traditional Golf also include equipment and cart leases, seed, soil and fertilizer, and certain operating costs incurred at managed Traditional Golf properties. Many of the Traditional Golf properties and related facilities are leased under long-term operating leases. In addition to minimum payments, certain leases require payment of the excess of various percentages of gross revenue or net operating income over the minimum rental payments. The leases generally require the payment of taxes assessed against the leased property and the cost of insurance and maintenance. The majority of lease terms initially range from 10 to 20 years, and typically, the leases contain renewal options. Certain leases include scheduled increases or decreases in minimum rental payments at various times during the term of the lease. These scheduled rent increases or decreases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Increases result in an accrual, which is included in other current liabilities and other liabilities, and decreases result in a receivable, which is included in other current assets and other assets, for the amount by which the cumulative straight-line rent differs from the contractual cash rent.

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 are expensed as incurred and consist primarily of marketing expenses, rent, employee payroll, 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 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 — 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 10 for additional information.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities — All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measured
at fair value. The Company reports the fair value of derivative instruments gross of cash paid or received pursuant to credit support agreements and fair value is reflected on a net counterparty basis when the Company believes a legal right of offset exists under an enforceable netting agreement.

Changes in fair value are recorded in net income. Derivative transactions are entered into by the Company solely for risk management purposes in the ordinary course of business. Subsequent to the prepayment of the Traditional Golf term loan in December 2018, the Company unwound the interest rate cap. At December 31, 2018, the Company had no derivatives or hedging activities.

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-based compensation expense for stock options is recognized on a straight-line basis through the vesting date of the option. RSUs are expensed based on the fair value on the date of grant and amortized on a straight-line basis through the vesting date. The fair value of RSUs is estimated using the stock price on the date of grant. All stock-based compensation expense is recorded as general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 11 for additional information.
Management Fee and Termination Payment to Affiliate — These represent amounts due or paid to the former Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement or the termination of the existing Management Agreement. For further information, see Note 12.
BALANCE SHEET MEASUREMENT
Property and Equipment, Net — Real estate and related improvements 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.
The Company capitalizes to construction in progress, certain costs related to properties under construction. Capitalization begins when the activities related to development have begun and ceases when activities are substantially complete and the asset is available for use. Capitalized costs include development, construction-related costs and interest expense.
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
10-30 years
Capital leases - equipment
3-7 years
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
2-7 years

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 are recognized as an impairment loss and recorded in "Impairment" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. To the extent the fair value increases, any previously reported impairment is reversed. Real estate held-for-sale is recorded in “Real estate assets, held-for-sale, net” and “Real estate liabilities, held-for-sale” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Entertainment Golf
Entertainment Golf includes land, buildings, furniture, fixtures and equipment and leasehold improvements including building and land improvements.


Traditional Golf
With respect to Traditional Golf course improvements (included in buildings and improvements), costs associated with construction, significant replacements, permanent landscaping, sand traps, fairways, tee boxes or greens are capitalized. All other asset-related costs that do not meet these criteria, such as minor repairs and routine maintenance, are expensed as incurred.

The Company leases certain golf carts and other equipment that are classified as capital leases. The value of capital leases is recorded as an asset on the balance sheet, along with a liability related to the present value of associated payments. Depreciation of capital 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 capital 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 capital leases, with a portion being recorded as interest expense under the effective interest method.

Intangibles, Net — Intangible assets and liabilities consist primarily of leasehold advantages (disadvantages), management contracts, membership base and internally-developed software. A leasehold advantage (disadvantage) exists to the Company when it pays a contracted rent that is below (above) market rents at the date of an acquisition transaction. The value of a leasehold advantage (disadvantage) is calculated based on the differential between market and contracted rent, which is tax effected and discounted to present value based on an after-tax discount rate corresponding to each property, and is amortized over the term of the underlying lease agreement.  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 is 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 is valued using the multi-period excess earnings method under the income approach, and is amortized over the expected life of an active membership. The internally-developed software intangible represents proprietary software developed for the Company’s exclusive use. For Entertainment Golf, the internally-developed software intangible is composed of costs incurred to develop the software. The internally-developed software intangible is amortized over the expected useful life of the software.

Amortization of leasehold intangible assets and liabilities is included within operating expenses and amortization of all other 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
Leasehold intangibles
2 - 26 years
Management contracts
2 - 26 years
Internally-developed software
3 - 5 years
Membership base
7 years
Liquor licenses
Nonamortizable


Impairment of Real Estate and Finite-lived Intangible Assets — The Company periodically reviews the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, including real estate held-for-use and held-for-sale, as well as finite-lived intangible 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 of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by such asset, 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. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Membership Deposit Liabilities — Private country club members in our Traditional Golf business generally pay an advance initiation fee deposit upon their acceptance as a member to the respective country club. Initiation fee deposits are refundable 30 years after the date of acceptance as a member. The difference between the initiation fee 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.
Investment in Real Estate Securities — The Company has classified its investments in securities as available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are carried at market value with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income, to the extent impairment losses are considered temporary. 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, as described above.
Other Investment — The Company owns an approximately 22% economic interest in a limited liability company which owns preferred equity secured by a commercial real estate project. The Company accounts for this investment as an equity method investment. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the carrying value of this investment was $22.6 million and $21.1 million, respectively.  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 commercial 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, changes in market rental rates, and operating costs.  As these factors are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter management’s assumptions, the values estimated by management in its recoverability analyses may not be realized, and actual losses or impairment may be realized in the future. Based on changes in estimates of project costs and timeline, the Company recorded an other than temporary impairment of $2.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. There was no other than temporary impairment recorded during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The other than temporary impairment is recorded in the equity in earnings (loss) in equity method investments, net line item which is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in “Other (loss) income, net.” As the fair value inputs utilized are unobservable, the Company determined that the significant inputs used to value this real estate investment falls within Level 3 for fair value reporting. 

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. Restricted cash consisted of:
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
CDO trustee accounts
$
127

 
$
170

Restricted cash for construction-in-progress
2,008

 
2,282

Restricted cash - Traditional Golf
1,266

 
3,362

Restricted cash - Entertainment Golf
183

 
182

Restricted cash, current and noncurrent
$
3,584

 
$
5,996



Accounts Receivable, Net — Accounts receivable are stated at amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $1.0 million and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based upon several factors including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical payment trends and current economic factors. Collateral is generally not required. The allowance for doubtful accounts increased by $0.2 million and decreased by $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Other Current Assets
The following table summarizes the Company's other current assets:
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Loans, held-for-sale, net (A)
$
—

 
$
147

Prepaid expenses
2,651

 
3,081

Deposits
2,494

 
3,469

Inventory
2,855

 
4,722

Miscellaneous current assets, net
12,505

 
10,149

Other current assets
$
20,505

 
$
21,568

(A)
During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded an impairment of $0.2 million on a corporate loan.
Other Assets
The following table summarizes the Company's other assets:
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Prepaid expenses
$
277

 
$
6

Deposits
2,140

 
2,213

Derivative assets
—

 
286

Miscellaneous assets, net
6,267

 
6,144

Other assets
$
8,684

 
$
8,649



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 consist primarily of property lease security deposits and deposits with vendors for property and equipment.

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.

Derivative Assets – All derivative assets on the balance sheet are measured at fair value. We have no derivative assets as of December 31, 2018.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses — Accounts payable reflect expenses related to goods and services received that have not yet been paid and accrued expenses reflect expenses related to goods and services received for which invoices have not yet been received.
Deferred Revenue — Payments received in advance of the performance of services are recorded as deferred revenue until the services are performed.

Other Current Liabilities
The following table summarizes the Company's other current liabilities:
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Security deposits payable
$
14,188

 
$
6,602

Accrued rent
2,885

 
2,160

Due to affiliates
—

 
1,786

Dividends payable
930

 
930

Miscellaneous current liabilities
4,282

 
11,118

Other current liabilities
$
22,285

 
$
22,596


Other Liabilities
The following table summarizes the Company's other liabilities:
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Security deposits payable
$
91

 
$
66

Unfavorable leasehold interests
2,759

 
3,374

Accrued rent
1,617

 
1,057

Miscellaneous liabilities
765

 
349

Other liabilities
$
5,232

 
$
4,846


Security Deposits Payable – Security deposits payable relate to deposits received for events and other activities at traditional golf properties.
Unfavorable Leasehold Interests – Unfavorable leasehold interests relates to leases acquired as part of Traditional Golf where the terms of the leasehold contracts are less favorable than the estimated market terms of the leases at the acquisition date.
Accrued Rent – Traditional golf properties pay rent on certain leased properties in arrears and scheduled rent increases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, resulting in an accrual.
Due to Affiliates – Represents amounts due to the former Manager pursuant to the Management Agreement but not paid.
Dividends Payable – Represents dividends declared but not paid.
Stock Options — The fair value of the options issued as compensation to the former Manager for its successful efforts in raising capital for the Company was recorded as an increase in equity with an offsetting reduction of capital proceeds received. Stock options granted to the Company’s employees and non-employee directors were recorded as an increase in equity and accounted for using the fair value method. See Note 11 for additional information.
Restricted Stock Units or RSUs — The fair value of the RSUs issued to the Company's directors as part of annual compensation were recorded as an increase in equity. The fair value of the RSUs is based on the Company's stock price on the grant date. See Note 11 for additional information.
Preferred Stock — The Company’s accounting policy for its preferred stock is described in Note 11.
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. See Note 14 for additional information.
Amortization of Discount and Premium and Other Amortization — As reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, these items are comprised of the following:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Accretion of net discount on securities, loans and other investments
$
(151
)
 
$
(4,698
)
 
$
(7,926
)
Amortization of net discount on debt obligations and deferred financing costs
1,310

 
1,241

 
1,501

Amortization of net deferred hedge gains – debt
—

 
—

 
(20
)
Amortization of discount and premium
$
1,159

 
$
(3,457
)
 
$
(6,445
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of leasehold intangibles
$
4,093

 
$
4,111

 
$
4,451

Accretion of membership deposit liability
6,872

 
6,453

 
5,803

Other amortization
$
10,965

 
$
10,564

 
$
10,254


Recent Accounting Pronouncements — In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. See Note 3 for additional information.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The standard addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842). The standard requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet and addresses certain aspects of lessor accounting. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements, with an option to use certain relief. The Company currently has operating leases, including ground leases, for certain of its properties and leased equipment which are not recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10 Codification Improvements to Topic 842 Leases, which provides 16 narrow scope amendments to ASC 842, including the rate implicit in the lease, impairment of the net investment in the lease, lessee reassessment of lease classification among other things. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11 Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which allows entities to not apply the new lease standard in the comparative periods presented in the financial statements in the year of adoption. In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-20 Leases (Topic 842), Narrow-Scope Improvements for Lessors, which includes the requirement that a lessor (i) exclude lessor costs paid directly by a lessee to third parties on the lessor’s behalf from variable payments and (ii) include lessor costs that are paid by the lessor and reimbursed by the lessee in the measurement of variable lease revenue and the associated expense. The Company anticipates a significant increase to its non-current assets and non-current liabilities in order to record a right-of-use asset and a related lease liability, specifically as it relates to existing operating leases. There are also certain considerations related to internal control over financial reporting that are associated with implementing the new guidance under Topic 842. The Company is currently evaluating its control framework for lease accounting and identifying any changes that may need to be made in response to the new guidance. The Company has selected an information system application to centralize the tracking of and accounting for the Company’s leases and is currently in the process of implementing that application. The Company will adopt the requirements of the new standard on January 1, 2019. The Company is working to quantify the impact, but is currently unable to estimate the impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities will be required to record allowances rather than reduce the carrying amount under the other-than-temporary impairment model. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19 Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses which clarifies that operating lease receivables accounted for under ASC 842 are not in the scope of this guidance. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities will apply the standard's provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The standard provides specific guidance over eight identified cash flow issues in order to reduce diversity in practice over the presentation and classification of certain types of cash receipts and cash payments. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Restricted Cash. The standard requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows and provide a reconciliation to the related line items in the balance sheet. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2018 and has included changes in restricted cash in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for all periods presented.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01 Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The standard clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets of businesses. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The standard requires a customer in a cloud computing arrangement (i.e., a hosting arrangement) that is a service contract to follow the internal-use software guidance in ASC 350-40 to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets or expense as incurred. That guidance requires certain costs incurred during the application development stage to be capitalized and other costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages to be expensed as they are incurred. Capitalized implementation costs related to a hosting arrangement that is a service contract will be amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement, beginning when the module or component of the hosting arrangement is ready for its intended use.  The effective date of the standard will be for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. Entities can either apply the guidance prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption or retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.