Golfers explore legal options as course faces end

GOLFERS at one of Cork’s top clubs were exploring their legal options last night after a leading business family confirmed its plans to shut the course next year.

The Scally family, which owns the five-star Hayfield Manor in Cork, and the Killarney Royal Hotel, said its Harbour Point Golf Course in Little Island is no longer financially viable. It will close in May 2009.

The family bought the course three years ago for €12 million.

They declined to say how much money it is losing through the operation, but it is understood it will cost up to €1m to close it down.

Up to 30 staff — 15 full-time and 15 part-time — will be affected.

The club’s 586 members have been offered free golf for the next year and all membership fees which have been paid since 2005 will be refunded.

Chief executive Mark Scally said his family was forced into the decision.

Increased competition from other courses in east Cork was partly to blame, he said.

“We very much regret being forced to make this decision but, despite our best efforts since we purchased Harbour Point three years ago, the financial returns means the course is not viable,” he said.

“We have invested substantial money on building refurbishments and course improvements but the financial returns would not allow us sustain the business into the future.”

But he ruled out selling the course, despite an expression of interest from members.

Club members were underbidders for the course in 2005 when the Sean O’Connell sold the 1991-built course.

Mr Scally said they will spend the next 12 months examining more “profitable enterprises” for the site in the “leisure and sporting sectors”.

Senior club officials were informed of the decision at a meeting on Thursday night attended by Mark and Joe Scally, club manager Alymer Barrett, solicitor John Dwyer and an accountant from Ernest and Young.

Club captain John O’Callaghan said members are furious.

“We were promised three years ago a five-star course if we agreed to a 33% increase in the fees — which we did,” he said.

Senior club officials met last night to discuss the situation.

They will hold a public meeting at the Vienna Woods Hotel next Thursday to discuss their options.

Under par

18-hole, Par 72.

6,102 metres.

Course membership fees: €1,400 — men

€1,000 — women

Membership: 360 men.

Just over 200 women.

Staff:

15 part-time.

15 full-time.