COUNTRY MEMBERS CRY FOUL
By David Newbery
How long has this been going on?
“Since 1929,” was the answer Howlong Country Golf
Club general manager Chris Rebbechi gave when
asked how long his club had been issuing inexpensive
remote or country membership.
The questions arose following claims of discrimination
levelled at remote members, particularly Howlong
CGC members.
This has resulted in much debate in social media
circles (see comments at foot of story).
Members attached to Howlong Country Golf Club on
the NSW/Victorian border say other clubs make them
feel unwelcome.
So, is there discrimination in the ranks?
“Yes, absolutely,” Rebbechi said.
“But those clubs have a right to decide who they want
to have play in their open competitions.
“We see it as being a little short-sighted.
“A cheap country (remote) membership is an
opportunity for some people to get back in the game
if they are coming off an injury or are new to
the game.
“Ultimately, they will decide to join some of these
clubs going forward.
“We view it as holding people in the game rather than
keeping them away from some of these other clubs.
“They seem to think Howlong Country Golf Club
members are the reason for their decline in their
overall membership,” he added.
“What they do not understanding is that Howlong has
had this business model for more than 80 years. It’s
known that Howlong has always had a big
count