Waitomo Golf and Country Club’s $1 million course and clubhouse could soon be handed back to members in a proposal from owners Ōtorohanga Club.
The future of Waitomo Golf and Country Club will be decided at a members’ meeting on Sunday.
Ōtorohanga Club and Waitomo Golf and Country Club merged in 2012 after the golf club faced financial difficulties, Ōtorohanga Club president Jock Gollan told The News.
Since then, the golf club founded in 1912 in Golf Road has operated its own committee through the Ōtorohanga Club in Maniapoto Street.
He said for some time Ōtorohanga Club members had questioned the reasons for continuing to have the golf club.
The proposal is to form a new incorporated entity. Gollan told The News he hopes the existing golf club and country committee will assume governance.
“They are in a far better position than they were in 2012,” Gollan said.
There’s a new committee, and president in Steve Wilshier.
“We will try and give it back to them. The golf club building needs $250,000 to $300,000 spent on it. They have got the numbers for doing that building up. It probably costs us about $20,000. It’s a beautiful site.”
About 240 golf club members pay about $720 annual membership to play an 18-hole 5875 metre championship course, Gollan said.
“Ōtorohanga Club can’t sell it, because it’s part of the amalgamation agreement, we can’t lease it, and we still have to run it, but we can give it to an incorporated society.”
Gollan feels giving the $1 million golf course to a new entity is the only option.
The Waitomo Golf club has been catering for golfers for more than 100 years.
“We wish them well,” he said. “They have done an excellent job. Every time they have a tournament they are fully booked out. We will continue to help.
Ōtorohanga Club has called a meeting of all 1700 members on Sunday, (February 2) to discuss the proposal.
Gollan is not expecting all members to turn out, annual meetings usually attract about 120 members. Regardless of turnout, Ōtorohanga Club members will decide on the proposal. Three quarters of those attending the meeting must approve for the proposal to pass and then Waitomo Golf and Country Club Committee is required to wait 31 days before responding to the proposal.
“It will be good for our town,” Gollan said.
The club’s proximity to Waitomo Caves meant tourist-based tournaments could be organised.
In a notice advertising the meeting published in The News Ōtorohanga Club secretary and manager Bronwyn Merrin said the decision was significant for the future of both clubs.
“This meeting will provide an opportunity to understand the reasoning and implications of this proposal, ask questions and share your perspectives,” the notice reads.
“Your attendance and participation are crucial. Together, we can make an informed decision that aligns with the best interested in both clubs and our community.”
The club’s most famous son is former world amateur champion Phil Tataurangi who became club champion when he played there while his parents were teaching at Kawhia. He attended Te Awamutu College.
The News sought comment from Wilshier and other Waitomo Golf and Country Club members who declined to comment.
Waikato Golf Association executive officer Terry Booth said Waitomo Golf Club had a stable and loyal membership.
“It’s a well-presented golf course, it’s a bit of a hidden gem,” he said.
The Waitomo Golf Club’s18th green. Photo: Chris Gardner.
