Crunch time for clubs?
Reporter: Tony Bugby
Date published: 15 October 2008
LOCAL golf clubs are facing an anxious wait to see what effects the credit crunch and dramatic downturn in the British economy has on them.
It will not be until the end of the year when the consequences of the squeeze becomes clearer as that is when most membership renewals are due.
There have been suggestions that many golfers could be priced out of the game due to hefty increases in mortgage payments, utility bills, food and fuel prices leaving them with a greatly reduced disposable income.
But, at the moment, there is no indication of a mass exodus of players - though the six local clubs, like most others, have a challenging time ahead.
Most of the local clubs make an annual allowance for a 10-per-cent turnover in membership and they say there is nothing to suggest that will increase markedly.
It is also a measure of the changing world of golf that Saddleworth are the only local club to still have an entrance fee.
Others have dropped the joining levy, which often equated to paying two years’ membership for the initial 12-month period, simply because it was deterring golfers from joining.
Saddleworth, whose full membership costs £675, has an almost full complement of 700 members in their various categories.
Captain Bernard Woodhead says the financial picture at Saddleworth remains healthy, though he admits the true picture will become clearer when the invoices for 2009 are posted at the end of November.
Brookdale’s membership was due on October 1 and captain Paul Cain says there have been a number of resignations and players suspending their membership, though he does not anticipate a reduction much greater than the usual annual 10-per-cent turnover.
Brookdale has a near full complement of 560 members with full membership £650.
Oldham have lost a couple of members who have cited losing their jobs as the reason for leaving.
John Baines, who runs the club’s administration, says they have attracted a lot of new members but still have vacancies for 30 full members and players in other categories.
They are the smallest local club with a total of 280 members with full membership costing £590.
Crompton and Royton secretary Norman Travis admits it will be crunch time when membership subs are due at the end of the year.
But with five and six-day membership closed and full membership almost at capacity, the High Barn club is in a healthy position.
It is a sign of the times, however, that the club no longer has a joining fee, which has undoubtedly helped attract newcomers with the total membership in all categories over 700. The cost of full membership is £700.
Stamford lost a sizeable number of members earlier this year, but after an advertising campaign they are almost back to a full strength with 600 players in all categories and full membership costing £630.
Office manager Jim Kitchen says the credit crunch may well have an effect and they ought to soon get a clearer picture as those paying by monthly direct debit start doing so in October.
“We have a well balanced income from various sources and, as a result of that, we have no financial concerns,” he said.
Werneth secretary John Barlow says golf-club membership generally has been in decline for a number of years event without the effects of the credit crunch which he believes will have an impact.
But he believes Werneth, with membership at £560 and with 265 full male members, are prepared for any downturn, something which is endorsed by captain David Whittingham.
“Next year is our centenary and because of that there is a feel-good factor at the club and we are even recruiting new members,” he said.
