Fiscal struggles and declining memberships are prompting the Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and Southfield, Mich., clubs to consider a joint venture to operate as a single club. Management at neither property commented on the prospective deal, both waiting until after September meetings with members.
Dwindling membership and fiscal shortfalls at Forest Lake Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and Plum Hollow Country Club in Southfield, Mich., are considering a joint venture to operate as one club, Crain’s Detroit Business reported.
Forest Lake said in a letter to members that its membership has been declining for 10 years. Its golf memberships (equity and non-equity) are now at a combined 183 families. Historically, the club can accommodate up to 325 equity golf members, Crain’s reported.
Like Forest Lake, Plum Hollow has seen memberships fall over the last decade. Taras Strychar, General Manager of Forest Lake, would not comment on the possible joint venture. He said he would talk about it after scheduled meetings, Crain’s reported.
The meetings are at Forest Lake Country Club on September 1 and September 20 to further explain the joint venture and take questions, Crain’s reported.
Plum Hollow recently had its town hall meeting. Its general manager, Mike Bedells, could not be reached by Crain’s for comment.
The Forest Lake letter to members said that by combining operations, the clubs would:
- Create efficiencies and reduce operating costs
- Allow members to play at both clubs
- Give both clubs a competitive edge because members can belong to two clubs for a single price
A special meeting for Forest Lake equity members to vote on the change will follow the September meetings. Members will be asked if they want the “board of directors to enter into a relationship with Plum Hollow,” the letter stated.
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