Business

Members buy Olde Vine Golf Club

Marla Greenspan, Robert Gaffney and Randy Spellman, members of the club. (Credit: Joseph DeMaria)
Marla Greenspan, Robert Gaffney and Randy Spellman, members of the club. (Credit: Joseph DeMaria)

Mr. Gaffney said a deal hammered out about a decade ago maintained that the club would eventually transition from the developer, Mr. Heinlein — who also developed the adjacent residential neighborhood, which is not affiliated with the club — to its members. But until that happened last month, existing members were reluctant to start recruiting others to join. The club even lost some members in the interim. The goal now is to reach about 120 members.

Another order of business for The Vineyards was to hire a new pro, and the club was able to recruit Louis De Kerillis, who had been working as an assistant pro at Sebonack.

He said he’s really enjoyed the members’ company so far.

“It’s a fun golf course; it will challenge you,” Mr. De Kerillis said. “But it won’t take up most of your day.”

Some of the younger members often meet before work to play for just a couple of hours, he said.

With the new ownership, come new investment opportunities as well.

“We’re in the process right now of putting in a short-game facility to work on pitching and chipping,” Mr. De Kerillis said. “It’s very unique; not many courses have a short game area. And then we’ll also be doing a wedge performance center, working from 90 yards and in, wedges only. That should be completed by the end of the season as well. Then a full warm-up range within the next two years. It’s really exciting what we’re doing here. We’re really packing in with this property, and showcasing it.”

“This could really be a boutique golf course for people who live in this area,” said Mr. Spellman. “Now that we’re member-owned we can do whatever we want. If we want to make the greens faster, we can do so. We might argue, but at least it’s our decision to make.”

As for the club’s new management structure, a board of directors votes on day-to-day operations and there are four specific committees: a greens committee, finance committee, golf/social committee and membership/marketing committee. The entire membership will vote on any capital improvements or projects.

Member Marla Greenspan said female members play a huge role at the club and don’t have to deal with any gender-based rules, as they might elsewhere. For example, she said, some clubs require women to tee off later than men.

“The people who are here are really committed to making this place not only succeed, but thrive,” she said.

ABOUT THE CLUB 

Unlike a club owned by an individual or company, The Vineyards Golf Club is funded and operated by its members. Members not only have rights to use the club’s facilities, but also take part in how the club is managed. Members pay a fee to join and then pay annual dues that can rise and fall depending on revenues and operating costs. For more information, contact Lynn Halverson, 631-740-9300 or [email protected].