Bizarre irony as Chinese ramp up Wentworth costs

Wentworth's new Chinese owners are putting up membership fees by £100,000.00 to £125,000.00, while at the same time, in China itself, the Government has banned 88 million peope from aying tghe game. Meanwhile, Lord knows how much it will cost the rest of us riff raff ot ever get a round there...

A completely random Chinese business person yesterday asks: "What's da big oydeah?"

But what do the members think? Well, there's a fair bit of argy bargy going on there too. There as been widespread criticism. Not only is the joining fee for a new member going up to £125,000, annual memberships for current members is going from £8,000 to £16,000.

At the moment, golfers pay a £15,000 joining fee but that would be scrapped under the new structure set to be introduced in April 2017. According to reports, all members must pay £100,000 with their annual fee on top by that date or their memberships will be cancelled.

The decision was announced at the club's annual general meeting on Tuesday and led to criticism from some members. Among those unhappy is former BBC chat show host Michael Parkinson, who previously described the change in policy as "barmy".

Parky: Not happy & certainly not as happy as he looked with George Best

Wentworth member James Wyatt told the BBC: "Money needs to be put into the club, and the money needs to come from somewhere. Last night we found out that the money is coming from members' pockets."

One man, who has been a member for 10 years, said: "There is a very vocal element who are against the price rise and everyone is entitled to their view. The financial circumstances and emotional connections of members are all different.

"I believe in the vision to make Wentworth the best golfing destination in Europe."

If you see this logo near your golf club, run!!!

They said: "Members for years have been asking for improvements to our courses, facilities and services. The new investment plans, focused on quality and family, will propel the Club forward to become one of the finest golf and country clubs in the world. Many members are hugely excited for the plans to get underway.”

Wentworth: Free to those who can afford it, very expensive for those who can't

Stephen Gibson, chief executive at Wentworth Golf Club, said: “Golf and country club membership in the UK has been in decline in recent years. Our vision here at Wentworth is to be a club based around families, where memberships can be shared and enjoyed and passed onto children, so the spirit of Wentworth Club will continue for generations.”

The Reignwood Group, which bought the club in September 2014, said they would invest £20million in the course over the next two years.

Meanwhile, GolfPunk's Pitch & Putt NOT Ditch & Shut campaign continues...

Brucie: Unavailable for comment

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Chinese Government bans 88 million people from playing golf