Ashlar GC may be moving to Stonecutters Ridge...

There is an article in the Blacktown Advocate indicating that there is talk of Ashlar GC taking over the facilities & course at Stonecutters Ridge

http://www.blacktownadvocate.com.au/article/2008/04/16/2139_news.html

Ashlar would gain full ownership and control of the Colebee course double
its existing land holdings and new facilities worth more than $25
million.

Not sure how we feel about this. I understand that lots of golf clubs are in poor financial shape - I can understand that in western Sydney (and most likely any part of Sydney), with increasing costs of living - the luxury of golf may be one thing that is cut from family budgets.

The facilities at Stonecutters Ridge are meant to include 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, gym and clubhouse. I worry that if a golf club is having problems staying afloat - then would they be able to handle all of the additional responsibilities of these other facilities? The Ashlar GC website doesn't provide any details on the qualifications/experience of management or directors. Our personal experience at our previous GC was that Board members had a lot of passion for the club - but were stuck in tradition & weren't up to date with modern ideas.

Another thing that has us slightly annoyed is the fact that our land came included with the price a $30,000 waiver of the joining fee for the golf club. Membership at Ashlar GC is only $1100 per year. Technically if it we receive equivalent value - then that would be a 27 yr membership at the new club. Let's hope Urban Pacific consider a fair offer to the 34 other people who put a deposit on land at Stonecutters Ridge as part of the pre-release. Perhaps a family lifetime /10 year membership?

The issue will go to a vote at Ashlar GC in the near future - I think they need 75% majority (and a quorum). We will just have to wait and see...