Wingham Golf Club’s new president Peter Tait had a dire warning for members at this year's annual meeting.
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Mr Tait said that unless the financial position improved dramatically within the next 12 months the club’s doors would close. The last five years, he said, have been extremely difficult.
“You just can’t go on losing $60,000, $70,000 and $80,000 and expect to stay in business,’’ Mr Tait said.
“All small clubs are suffering, whether they be bowling clubs or golf clubs, but we have to cut our overheads and we also have to change the way we do business. If we don’t, we’ll be out of business.’’
Mr Tait said the club’s board is determined to turn things around and as such a five year strategic plan has been implemented to ensure the future. He said negotiations have started with a Sydney based firm regarding the development of an over 50s retirement complex on land the club owns.
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“There's no such facility within 25 kilometres of the golf club,’’ Mr Tait said.
The firm would provide the finance and logistical support for the development, the golf club the land.
This would provide the club with income in perpetuity through a leasing agreement.
The club is now an accredited community evacuation facility, meaning it would be used in times emergency, including fires or floods. A grant of $30,000 has been obtained through to install solar panels and a battery backup at the club. This will mean a reduction of costs of $30,000 annually.
Mr Tait said the club’s membership is around the 600 mark, with the majority social members. He concedes that, as has been the case with other golf clubs around the State and beyond, there’s been a reduction of playing members.
However, he said under club captain Neville Blanch there will be a serious drive to get more golfers on the course.
You just can’t go on losing $60,000, $70,000 and $80,000 and expect to stay in business.
- Wingham Golf Club president Peter Tait
Improvements to the club’s nine hole course are also in the planning stage.
“We intend to make it a challenging nine hole course that will attract golfers. We also have the advantage of the our motel and restaurant and we see this as a further way attracting golfers,’’ Mr Tait added.
Mr Tait said Golf NSW have provided assistance through the Buddy System, whereby bigger city clubs help out their smaller cousins.
“Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club is our buddy and we’ll be going there to see what help they can provide us in terms of machinery and also decor we might be able to use,’’ he said.
A retired school teacher, Mr Tait said he is looking forward, with the assistance of his board, of turning the club’s fortunes around.
He maintains this isn't an impossible dream.