Golf offer slammed

Jane Emerick
Torquay Golf Club members yesterday slammed a $55 million RACV takeover bid.
They called the finalised offer a “sweetener” that would leave them empty handed.
RACV this week released final details of its offer for the 39-hectare club, including development of holiday apartments and a $45 million clubhouse upgrade.
Other incentives included $6 million in course improvements and an irrigation system.
Members would also receive a “subscription holiday” depending on their length of time with the club.
The club’s committee was yesterday awaiting legal advice on whether to proceed with the offer.
Greg Giampiccolo, a club member for 24 years who was recently kicked off its committee, said the offer covered up the bonanza for the RACV at the expense of members.
“We’d be giving away our course for a new clubhouse and a bit of free membership,” Mr Giampiccolo said.
“Letting the RACV take over would be an injustice to Torquay and the greater community.
“We’re already choc-a-block on Saturdays and there are 50 people on the waiting list for Saturday memberships.
“Are we going to tell them to step aside, the RACV is coming?”
Mr Giampiccolo warned that the RACV’s plans would lead to nine years of disruptions.
“The club has run for 94 years without borrowing money and now all of a sudden we want to be beggars.”
Former club captain Michael Buckley wanted the committee to reject the offer.
“After the committee reads the proposal I expect they might start changing their thoughts,” he said.
“In reality the RACV is not paying anything. It’s giving members a carrot and we give up the club.”
Club president Ken McCallum said the committee would present the offer to members if it won a tick of approval from solicitors. The presentation would be part of an information evening in which members could ask questions.
Members would then have 21 days before voting on the offer.