Have belonged to our local public course since the mid-80's. We've always prided ourselves in being a "working man's course"... a "family course"... affordable, but well maintained. Dozens of us have volunteered hundreds of hours performing annual cleanup tasks, etc.
Over the past two to three years, we've seen an influx of members who used to belong to the local Country Club. Most of these are retired bankers, attorneys, etc. whose businesses paid their Country Club dues. Once retired and the Country Club membership goes away, they seek a more affordable venue... our course. Almost immediately, this group began taking an active part in the course management running for and getting elected to the Board. Everyone thought it great to see "new blood" and welcomed their participation.
Well... in a short time, this group has decided they want our course to become the Country Club they left behind. They now have a majority on the Board and are beginning to make some radical changes. Our club pro, who had been there 29 years has been ushered out. The Board is now actively managing the course on a day to day basis. They have applied for a liquor license and are turning our clubhouse into a private club. When they needed Board member names, drivers licenses, DOB's, etc. on the application for a liquor license, the remaining "old" board members resigned. That's what the new group wanted.
There is already talk about raising dues about 30% next year to cover the cost of major remodling projects to put in a restaurant "just like the Country Club has".
Oh, the local Country Club is in financial trouble. As their "old blood" has left membership, new members have not been there to take their place. As the membership has shrunk, costs have escalated and fewer can afford those costs. Looks like that may be where we're headed.
A number of our members are beginning to understand what is happening and looking at how we can confront the issue. Trouble is, a number are suggesting they simply won't join next year if the dues go up that much and if the course turns the clubhouse into a private liquor establishment.
Change can be good... sometimes. On one hand, we who are the "old guard" must be accepting of new ideas and ways we can enjoy a better experience on the course. Yet, it's difficult to see such radical changes pushed through the system.
Could be a long and difficult winter......
Over the past two to three years, we've seen an influx of members who used to belong to the local Country Club. Most of these are retired bankers, attorneys, etc. whose businesses paid their Country Club dues. Once retired and the Country Club membership goes away, they seek a more affordable venue... our course. Almost immediately, this group began taking an active part in the course management running for and getting elected to the Board. Everyone thought it great to see "new blood" and welcomed their participation.
Well... in a short time, this group has decided they want our course to become the Country Club they left behind. They now have a majority on the Board and are beginning to make some radical changes. Our club pro, who had been there 29 years has been ushered out. The Board is now actively managing the course on a day to day basis. They have applied for a liquor license and are turning our clubhouse into a private club. When they needed Board member names, drivers licenses, DOB's, etc. on the application for a liquor license, the remaining "old" board members resigned. That's what the new group wanted.
There is already talk about raising dues about 30% next year to cover the cost of major remodling projects to put in a restaurant "just like the Country Club has".
Oh, the local Country Club is in financial trouble. As their "old blood" has left membership, new members have not been there to take their place. As the membership has shrunk, costs have escalated and fewer can afford those costs. Looks like that may be where we're headed.
A number of our members are beginning to understand what is happening and looking at how we can confront the issue. Trouble is, a number are suggesting they simply won't join next year if the dues go up that much and if the course turns the clubhouse into a private liquor establishment.
Change can be good... sometimes. On one hand, we who are the "old guard" must be accepting of new ideas and ways we can enjoy a better experience on the course. Yet, it's difficult to see such radical changes pushed through the system.
Could be a long and difficult winter......
