With the help of the Save Sierra Meadows committee, the Ahwahnee, Calif., property, which was slated to close December 15, will remain open as members pay increased dues to keep the operation solvent until the right buyer comes along.
According to staff at Sierra Meadows Country Club in Ahwahnee, Calif., the club will stay open for the near future after members voted on a proposal that will have them paying a bit more to play longer, the North Fork (Calif.) Sierra News Online reported.
Last month Sierra Meadows owner Robert Bard sent out a letter telling members that the only 18-hole golf course in the foothills would close as of December 15. He cited California’s severe drought and years of economic recession as reasons the club would cease operation. A planned development failed to materialize around the golf course, Bard said, while millions of dollars were pumped into the club house and other features, for renovation and maintenance, Sierra News Online reported.
Almost immediately, members and other concerned citizens gathered in order to save the area-favorite amenity from shutting its doors permanently. They formed the Save Sierra Meadows committee, and now, club members have voted to accept a proposal in which they will pony up more on a monthly basis to keep the operation solvent. Ideally, that will be long enough to attract the right buyer for the 142-acre property, Sierra News Online reported.
“Just wanted to pass along the great news that Sierra Meadows will remain open,” said committee member and golf course homeowner Maria Manning-Chapman.
Manning-Chapman said that both members and management had crafted proposals to improve cash flow to the club during the off-season, carrying them through to the busy time of year which starts again in spring. The proposal up for recent vote by Sierra Meadows membership was submitted by management, Sierra News Online reported.
“Mr. Bard felt that there was enough support from membership to guarantee the club remains open through April 30 and then, as manager Mike Best said, we go into the busy season May to October,” said Manning-Chapman. “Hopefully by that time we’ll have a buyer/new owner.”
Membership voted to accept a proposal which, among other points, stated that effective January 1, all member players, regardless of membership type, will pay $20 per round in cart fees. The amount will be capped at $100 (five rounds) per person. For those individual members playing six rounds or more per month, there will be no additional cart fee, as the cart fee will then be included as part of the monthly dues. This added fee is on top of current monthly dues, Sierra News Online reported.
“I was pleased to see the community come together to help keep the course open,” said member Rusty Oetinger. “There were many people involved that I don’t see often at Sierra Meadows. It is nice to know that even though the course is out and away from town, people still consider it an important part of our community.”
The 8-10 member Save Sierra Meadows committee will continue to meet with the goal of increasing club membership and course play by non-members, Sierra News Online reported.
“Having a community voice is important,” Manning-Chapman said. “I am glad that the committee was able to influence Sierra Meadows residents and club members to vote affirmatively for the proposal. Club ownership, club management, and club members all want the same thing and that’s to see Sierra Meadows thrive, both now, and into the future.”
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