Ryder Cup venue accepts ruling on greenkeepers’ pay

THE K Club has accepted a Labour Court ruling that will give its greenkeepers phased pay increases of up to 50%, bringing their annual salaries up to €30,000.

The pay dispute had threatened next month’s Ryder Cup golf clash between Europe and the United States at the luxurious Co Kildare venue.

In a statement last evening the K Club said: “It has always been our intention to follow and apply the appropriate procedures for solving labour relations issues between employers and employees and we now view the matter as resolved.”

Under last Monday’s Labour Court recommendation, the first two phases would increase hourly rates from €9.59 in January 2006 to €12 on September 1 next — an increase of almost €100 a week.

The court recommended the increases — including retrospective pay — be implemented by mid-September. Further phased increases would bring the hourly rate to €14.50, giving the greenkeepers an annual salary of about €30,000.

According to the Amicus trade union, the K Club was paying its greenkeepers an annual salary of less than €20,000.

On Thursday evening the greenkeepers voted unanimously to accept the Labour Court recommendations.

Last November the K Club management told the union a 3% cost of living increase due on July 1, 2005, would not be paid.

A round of golf during summer costs €350 on the K Club’s Palmer course, one of two magnificent championship courses at the Straffan facility. Green fees run to €250 for a round on the nearby Smurfit 18-hole course. The joining fee as an individual K Club golfing member costs €80,000, based on a 25-year membership. The annual subscription is €6,950.