Those with long memories may recall my posting last year about the issues surrounding my home course, Brightwood, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. After much deliberation and negotiation, a vote was held this weekend on whether to do a land swap with a developer and trade the existing Willie Park course in the middle of town for a new course about 15 minutes away. Much to my surprise, the vote was 80% in favor (75% was needed), so Brightwood will be moving and the old course turned into housing.
The old course is really not a great track and doesn't have a whole lot going for it other than location and tradition. Membership has been in a steady decline due to the course layout becoming outdated and the lack of practice facilities. The advent of a number of new clubs locally has added to the pressure, and the course is too close to homes that have begun to threaten liability suits over stray golf balls. Finally, it needs a significant investment to upgrade it, so the membership decided to throw in the towel.
The proposed new course has a lake in play, but the design has changed somewhat from what was first considered. The architect remains Les Furber, but the island green he proposed thankfully does not appear to be in the deal (although some members seem to want it). The originally-proposed 27-hole layout is down to 18 with an option for the club to buy the land for an additional 9 (Jeff Mingay, there's hope for you yet!). No more bent-grass fairways apparently either. It will be a much longer (7200 from the tips) course with a full practice facility, shiny new clubhouse, and allegedly all the amenities. The new course is supposed to be ready in 3 years.
I know Furber gets mixed reviews on here but the design committee was wowed by him so hopefully he will produce a good course.