Golfers on Auckland’s Whangaproa Peninsula are taking matters into their own hands and using the abandoned course after being caught off guard by the abrupt closure of a famous club, according to a recent article by 1News.
A longtime training ground for world champion Lydia Ko, the Gulf Harbour Country Club abruptly shuttered in July, leaving several members who had already paid high dues feeling cheated.
Some players are taking their final shots as the course rapidly deteriorates while also taking aim at the club’s owner and director.
This park, where people in polo shirts and sweater vests used to chase birds, was quickly taken over by birds. While children play football in the open spaces, families navigate the paths on scooters.
The newly free course, which typically cost $75 for 18 holes for associated members, was being well-used by young adults.
Some players eager to play as long as possible have inserted temporary flagsticks into the holes. John, a member of the country club, was playing a round when he learned of the closure.
“They said the course is closed as of now,” he stated.
“They circulated an email stating that it was not viable, but they then stated that another email would be forthcoming. Well, it’s not here yet.
John and friend Len were still playing a round when Checkpoint arrived, despite the course being closed. He expressed regret at the club’s demise as the former site of the New Zealand Open but said he intended to keep playing there until the greens were too overgrown.
When developer Greg Olliver bought the club two years ago, John could see the writing on the wall. “When I found out that he was the new owner I started paying monthly, because his track record wasn’t good.” Due to his track record of failing firms, Olliver was prohibited from being the CEO of a company until 2025. Wayne Bailey, a chartered accountant, took on many of his duties in his place.
Bailey was the one who sent the email announcing the closure.
Dae Kim, a different participant on the course, said that up to this point, there had been no other communications.
