Hi Team,
Thank you for all the support from everyone. The is a great sense of community in the club.
Unfortunately our efforts have not resulted in a change to the recent membership fee changes. Please see below response:
"Hi Josh, as requested I have taken the time to read and consider your email and petition. I have of course answered multiple emails in regard to the changes to categories and prices, that I was instructed to make. I did follow online feeds as well and had a little laugh when I was called a dog.
The 9-hole membership while in name has been discontinued its characteristics are the same as a mid-week 18-hole and the rate would have been changed to that same rate if kept, so there is just one category now, and the 9-hole membership can now play 18 holes if they so desire.
While I recognise your point of view and sympathise with it to some degree, the fact is those decisions have been made by my employer. They did so regarding what they feel a membership or green fees should be valued at , considering the cost of running the business, which unfortunately has been losing a substantial amount per annum historically. I see one of the petition comments complains about members no longer getting a drinks discount, this is the only club I have seen give that, a $.50 discount x 100,000 = $50,000 the ownership does not consider they should keep subsidising drinks and furthermore golf to members!
There is recognition that there is a feeling of lack of harmony among members in relationship to the ownership and that this in all probability, that would cause the attrition in memberships you mention.
From my perspective GHCC has fallen in the middle, with incorporated societies/golf clubs on one side and resort courses on the other, we are owned by a single entity who has purchased the right to decide what the prices at their course are, I am paid to administer what they have decided.
My best analogy is; when I was a rafting guide you were taught, if you flip the raft always save yourself first, as it is only then you can help others. GHCC is drowning and this is the direction we are choosing to take to save ourselves, not all agree with it, but it is what it is, and we must all choose how we will act in relationship to the changes that are already in action. We cannot make the game greater if we do not survive as a business.
The present decisions may look bad or wrong to some, however we do have a plan to steadily make improvements and investments in the course. I do understand the changes look radical to you and quite a few members, especially in the old transitional categories, but I cannot change anything.
I wish you well and hope one day you may see the value in GHCC as the ownership entity does. With due respect."
Once again, thanks for all the support. And I look forward to seeing everyone out on the golf course.
Cheers, Josh Lunny