From time to time I have reported on my home club, Briarwood CC, a 1921 Colt and Allison design, modified by Nugent and Lohman, and then beautifully renovated by Mark Mungeam. Late last fall the club received an unsolicited offer to sell its 157 acres in north suburban Chicago for $145 million. After months of negotiation and significant politicing both on and off our board of directors, the members were asked to take a straw vote to help guide the board in its deliberations. Our bylaws require an 80% affirmative vote to sell the club.
While a majority otf the members were in favor of a sale, the nays exceeded 40% and thus the measure failed. The Board voted to inform the developer that negotiations would terminate immediately.
While some voters turned down the offer because they believed it contained too many conditions, nonetheless this action is contrary to the trend which has seen golf courses converted to housing and the like. I for one am gratified that this wonderful course and club will be preserved. I would not be surprised if somone takes another run at a purchase in the future, but the price was considered to be very high so it will be difficult to top the offering price. It is encouraging to find a group that places a premium on the value that a friendly club with a fine golf course brings to the members' quality of life.