[Michael Whitaker]

From the New York Times...

With dozens of golf courses closing nationwide because of failed real estate developments, the Timberlake club is an example of a new model in the industry. Rather than watch home values plummet as a lush golf course is abandoned, nearby residents are banding together to buy the course — even if it means running it themselves.

Click Here For Article: Club Members Learn to Swing More Than 5-Iron

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Mike,

Now we have 2 threads without a comment.http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,52222.0.html

Have you played the club in question?

[Michael Whitaker]

Oops! Didn't see David's thread.

I played Timberlake years ago, but don't remember too much about it.

As for the lack of comments... if the course were located outside the South there might be some interest in the topic. Southern threads don't get much love around here. 

[Steve_ Shaffer]

Mike,

Perhaps this will refresh your recollection of Timberlake, the only course on Lake Murray!

http://www.timberlakecountryclub.com/GOLF.html

[David_Tepper]

Guys,

I would hope that the issue here is much greater than the specifics of Timberlake. What would the implications be if it was a commonplace practice at golf clubs if all members were expected (and perhaps even required) to contribute 6-8 hours of their time each golf season to doing some constructive labor on or around the golf course? It could be something a simple as sanding/seeding divots or repairing ball marks on greens. What it not improve the condition of the course? Would it not help keep the expenses of the club down?

DT     

[JMEvensky]

Guys,

I would hope that the issue here is much greater than the specifics of Timberlake. What would the implications be if it was a commonplace practice at golf clubs if all members were expected (and perhaps even required) to contribute 6-8 hours of their time each golf season to doing some constructive labor on or around the golf course? It could be something a simple as sanding/seeding divots or repairing ball marks on greens. What it not improve the condition of the course? Would it not help keep the expenses of the club down?

DT     

My sense is that,for the overwhelming majority of dues paying members,this idea is a non-starter.

I think there are some ways to help--certain regular groups "adopt" particular holes to fill in divots,etc. or ladies' and/or junior associations doing something similar.Clubs can encourage members to sponsor benches or ball washers.

But in the main,any club reduced to having their maintenance staff drawn from the membership is a place with some serious new member recruiting problems.

[Michael Whitaker]

Guys,

I would hope that the issue here is much greater than the specifics of Timberlake. What would the implications be if it was a commonplace practice at golf clubs if all members were expected (and perhaps even required) to contribute 6-8 hours of their time each golf season to doing some constructive labor on or around the golf course? It could be something a simple as sanding/seeding divots or repairing ball marks on greens. What it not improve the condition of the course? Would it not help keep the expenses of the club down?

DT      

David,

For courses that don't have a well heeled membership this will be the only way a few will be able to survive in the short run. I'm proud of the folks at Timberlake that they will not let their course die.

A similar situation occurred at The Cliffs, but instead of putting their sweat into the courses their members pulled out their checkbooks.

Personally, I like the idea that the members love their course/club so much that they are willing to put their personal time and labor into keeping it in good condition.

It's a bit like the artisan clubs in the UK, no?

[Mike_Trenham]

I have played Tiberlake about 5 times when I was at USC.  A typical Willard Bryd course not too tough and well built.  I liked playing there it was our place to play when we had a few extra bucks.

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