Mergers, closures as some private clubs feel the pinch
The uncertain future for private golf clubs in south-east Melbourne has entered a new chapter with clubs Rossdale and Keysborough investigating the possibility of a merger.
The uncertain future for private golf clubs in south-east Melbourne has entered a new chapter with clubs Rossdale and Keysborough investigating the possibility of a merger.
In a continuing sign that consolidation is growing more common in the Australian golf industry, Amstel Golf Club has announced that it has acquired the management and operational rights of the Greg-Norman-designed Settlers Run Golf and Country Club, in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
The agreement, which is set to begin in July, will see Amstel take over operations from incumbent Troon Golf, while members of both courses, thus allowing members of both clubs to gain access to each course.
While Australia has the third highest number of golf courses per capita in the world, many in the Australian golf industry believe strongly that there are simply too many golf courses to go around, and that consolidation is the key. This means that some courses will be forced to close their doors permanently or amalgamate with neighbouring clubs.