“Like Waimairi Beach – Christchurch, Hagley
and Avondale golf courses had a lot of liquefaction and cracking, but they are well on their
way back.”
One of the reasons for the consistent drop-off
in membership is due to population movement.
“We have seen a lowering of membership in
the city clubs, particularly on the eastern side
of the city, and an increase in membership in
the North Canterbury area,” Lewis said.
“I know the likes of Avondale and Waitikiri
are struggling quite a bit at the moment with
membership numbers in terms of the population in that area.
“People are moving out because their houses
are virtually irreparable and they have deciding to move away from the eastern side of the
city, which has been the worst affected.”
Lewis said the Canterbury region received just
under $100,000 in donations from New Zealand Golf, the PGA of Australia, the Royal and
Ancient and various other organisations.
“That (money) has been passed on, but it
doesn’t go far when you spread it around the
golf clubs,” he said.
According to Lewis, there has been an eight
per cent drop-off in membership in the Canterbury area in the past few years.
“That is consistent with the national trend of
about five per cent overall,” he said.
“We have got just under 13,000 affiliate members in the Canterbury region and have lost
over 1000, which is significant.
“What we have seen in the last 12 months is
more people playing the game casually and
less people joining clubs.
“That begs the question – maybe the membership structures being offered to part-time
golfer aren’t attractive enough for them to join
a club.
“That’s an issue for clubs when they base their
income on membership. Obviously, they are
getting more in green fees, but they are losing
members, which is a more stable source of
income.
“The feedback we are getting from the retailer,
industry players and driving ranges is a drop in
income. Even green fee income is decr