HORSHAM Golf Club will be without a course superintendent and will terminate Simply Golf’s contract to run the club pro shop because of financial strain.
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At its annual meeting on Tuesday night, the club revealed it had sustained heavy losses in the past 12 months.
Horsham Golf Club president David Lavithis said despite the club’s woes, he was confident it could recover from its position.
‘‘The club has been working with our business consultant to turn around our financial position and all of the decisions we’ve made will assist in doing that,’’ he said.
‘‘I don’t want people to think we are not a viable club, because we are viable.’’
The club also revealed at the meeting it would not seek to replace retiring course superintendent Dave Gove’s position.
The club will instead keep three maintenance staff on its books, and ask for volunteer help from members.
It also revealed it would terminate a contract with Simply Golf to run the pro shop, and the club would assume responsibility for the shop.
Mr Lavithis said he hoped the pro shop would become a source of revenue for the club.
He said he understood members had concerns about the decisions made, but he believed it was in the best interest of the club to make them.
‘‘About half of the golf clubs in Victoria are under financial stress at the moment, so we are no different to anyone in that regard,’’ he said.
‘‘What we’re trying to do is ensure we are not one of those clubs in the future by being proactive and changing our business model.
‘‘I have no concerns with the decisions made and I’m sure they will assist the club in the future.’’
At the meeting, a vote to charge the club house levy in membership fees for the 2015-16 year was carried 105 votes to 76, including proxy votes.
Full members will pay $200 a year, summer members $100 and all other membership categories will pay $150.
Brian Mannix was elected club vice-president, Bob Hayes treasurer and David Dickinson club captain. Wayne Anderson and John Priestly joined the Horsham Golf Club committee.
The new members joined Mr Lavithis, secretary Chris Smith and committee member Leanne Lehmann on the board.