CLUB West will have an exodus of bowlers if a plan to replace a bowling green with a putt putt amenity goes ahead.
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This was discussed at a meeting between representatives of Club Old Bar's board and Club West members on Saturday, September 14. Nearly 100 members attended the hour long meeting.
Club Old Bar is the dominant partner in a merger between the two organisations.
Club Old Bar's board was represented by general manager Tony Jones, president Trevor Wisemantel and directors Wayne Deer and Tony Cavanagh.
There are currently two greens at Club West - one synthetic and the other turf. The proposal is to replace the turf green in favour of the putt putt.
Club West men's bowling committee vice president Tony Hinton said two greens are required by the men and women bowlers.
He said the meeting was told it costs $35,000 to maintain the turf green and this isn't financially viable.
However, Mr Hinton said if the green is taken out and replaced by the putt putt up to 35 bowlers will leave.
"We need two greens for men's and women's pennants, to play championships and to host carnivals,'' he said.
Mr Hinton said the meeting was told it would cost $200,000 to install the putt putt amenity.
"But they don't have a DA in to council and they don't have a business plan,'' he further claimed.
Mr Hinton added Club Old Bar isn't taking into account the money bowlers spend at the club.
"We were told it costs $35,000 for the green. That may be so, but the bowlers who use the green also drink, eat and play poker machines at the club. Their families also use the club,'' he said.
Mr Hinton said the members weren't given any time frame as to when construction of the putt putt amenity might take place.
"How can we plan our bowling calendar for next year if we don't know how many greens we're going to have?''
Mr Hinton said there were numerous speakers at the meeting and all were against the proposal.
He added the meeting was at times heated.
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Mr Hinton said the bowling group is now considering the options on what action can be taken to stop the putt putt proposal and keep the bowling green in play.
However, Club Old Bar assistant manager Michael Burnett said no decision has yet been made by the board on the proposal.
He said the meeting was held to provide the members with information on the matter
