Charlesland Golf Club’s 600 members shocked as club to close
MEMBERS of Charlesland Golf Club are ‘shocked and devastated’ by a decision by the owners to close the facility at the end of the year, vice-captain Domhnall O’Neill said in a statement.
The club’s 600 members learned that the club will close on December 31 when an announcement was issued by owners the Evans family on September 29.
Nikki Evans said in a statement on behalf of the family that the facility requires regular cash injections from the family, ‘despite significant investment, a business restructure and the success of Carr golf in recent years to build membership, increase revenue and build a golf course of the highest standards’.
‘Coupled with an uncertain medium-term outlook for golf, after long and careful consideration we made the decision to close,’ she said.
‘We appreciate the news may come as a shock to members and the wider golf community.
‘We will provide club staff with support and assistance in the coming weeks and months.
‘Plans will also be developed to help members safely celebrate the lifetime memories created here.’
Mr O’Neill said that this announcement was made without prior consultation with club officers.
‘Members expected a minimum notice period of 18
months would be given in advance of any closure plans, in line with the access agreement agreed with the Evans family, thereby allowing for an orderly wind down,’ he said.
Membership at Charlesland is reaching an all-time high, he said, with over 150 new members having joined over the last two years, some as recent as September 2020.
‘Members are at a loss to understand why this decision to close so quickly was made.’
‘ This announcement is particularly upsetting to the longterm members of Charlesland Golf Club, who have continued to support the Evans family, even in turbulent times, for almost 30 years since the club opened in 1992,’ said Mr O’Neill.
‘Charlesland members have actively supported the club during this traumatic year.
‘Members have also voluntarily assisted with course maintenance and general upkeep in their own time, tasks which are the responsibility of the Evans family.
‘Charlesland members condemn the impact of this decision,’ said Mr O’Neill. ‘Not only in how it affects them and the staff who are now facing job losses, but also on the many charities, both local and national, who have benefited significantly over the years from the club’s active support and fundraising activities on their behalf.’
Carr Golf were employed by the Evans family in 2014, to maintain the golf course and manage golf club operations.
The company also generated increased membership and green fees.