The sale of the Woodlands Country Club to ClubLink Corporation has been completed. Equity members met with executives of ClubLink before the sale and voted to approve it. Equity members are the only ones who were able to vote on this sale.
Prior to the sale a presentation was given to all the club members. Club president Larry Torn was joined by John Finlayson, SE Region Manager of ClubLink; Daniel Lambert, Director of Sales; and Robert Miller, Executive Director of Operations and Member Services, as well as Woodlands Attorney Pamela Anselmo with Becker & Poliakoff who was instrumental in negotiations.
ClubLink is a 17-year-old public company based in Ontario, Canada. They operate a number of golf courses all over the Toronto and Montreal areas. In September of 2010 they bought 8 courses in Sun City, Florida, and in October they bought Heron Bay in Coral Springs for a total of 42 courses.
John Finlayson spoke to the members and said one of the first things ClubLink will do after the sale is to address the golf course conditions. He explained that Heron Bay was not in good condition, however, since October it has greatly improved and he invited all members to come golfing at Heron Bay.
Finlayson explained that ClubLink’s business model is that they cluster courses together for reciprocal access. “This enables a variety for golfers. It has been successful in Toronto and hopefully it will be successful here.”
One member asked if the staff will still be employed. Finlayson said they are hopeful to find everyone a position, but to remember that they are a public company answering to their shareholders, so they must operate in a prudent manner and move forward to operate profitably.
Current club members also do not have to worry about their paid memberships not being honored as nothing will change for 2011 and possibly 2012.
Jack Talabisco asked if they would elaborate on how they get new members. Finlayson answered, “ClubLink drives new memberships with the opportunity of reciprocal play. We have great playing conditions and we pride ourselves with great courses and a high level of service.”
ClubLink will soon have an experienced salesperson at the Woodlands who will sell corporate events and memberships. “There is a great opportunity to have corporate events in South Florida, and these events attract a big part of our business,”said Finlayson.
Since memberships are down at the Woodlands Country Club, in order to operate and stay viable, ClubLink may have to allow public play for a time until the membership increases.
This sale is fantastic news for country club members and should be for residents as well. Fortunately, the Woodlands beautiful clubhouse and the gorgeous courses were sold to an experienced golf corporation, instead of a land developer. Improvements to the courses can already be seen as the maintenance crews are working harder than ever to water, fertilize and get the courses back into pristine condition.
If you are interested in joining the Woodlands Country Club. Go to ClubLink’s website and fill out the online form. ClubLink
Clublink is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol CLK.
