Structure of the Amalgamated Club

The structure of the proposed amalgamated club is a complex item with various models and structures being considered.  Once the preferred model and structure has been determined, it will be made know to members. What can be confirmed is that the combined club would operate under the name: The Metropolitan Golf Club, incorporating Huntingdale Course and Barholme Course.

Legal and Tax Considerations

One of the main areas of consideration is legal structure and tax implications; including but not limited to Stamp Duty. As you would expect, this is high priority with the Steering Committee having sort external advice to ensure that any amalgamation doesn’t trigger any broader or unintended financial consequences. This remains under review.

Finance

The Steering Committee engaged William Buck to prepare a financial model for the amalgamated club. With both clubs' year-end results now complete, final modelling is underway, incorporating long-term budgets from both clubs.

Membership

Membership has been a key concern, particularly regarding tee time access, wait lists, traditional events, and membership categories.

Each club currently operates its own membership categories. Aligning these categories will be able to be achieved over time. Work is ongoing to ensure the membership structure reflects the best of both clubs. What can be confirmed is:

•  Both clubs will continue to manage   their membership, golf and hospitality operations during a transition period of at least three years following a successful vote.
• During this time, shared tee times will be available depending on availability, but traditional events and existing club operations will continue unchanged. Integration will be encouraged through joint competitions, golf days, and social events.
• Tee time access will remain consistent with current arrangements including for the main social groups at both clubs — a non-negotiable element of the amalgamation process.

Infrastructure

A major benefit of amalgamation is the opportunity to better coordinate future capital works. A prime example is, both clubs are due to redevelop maintenance facilities, which can be approached more efficiently - together.

Water security is another shared priority. Huntingdale has strong water storage and supply, while Metropolitan is progressing with its own strategy. The clubs are in discussions to explore joint opportunities for water asset development.

Culture

While cultural differences exist, they are viewed as more historical than fundamental. Both clubs have proud legacies and preserving the identity and traditions of each will be vital.

Concerns that Huntingdale will lose its identity are understandable but unfounded. The name “Huntingdale” and the Club’s proud 100+ year legacy will remain deeply embedded in the amalgamated club. Traditional Board Events will be retained, the clubhouse and course will continue to proudly display the Huntingdale name and memorabilia, and the identity will be reflected online and across member communications.

Full amalgamation will take time likely years, and the transition period will allow both clubs to evolve at a sustainable pace.

Key Milestones and Indicative Timing

The Steering Committee has outlined the following key milestones and indicative timing as follows:

If approved, the clubs will continue to manage their operations for a transition period of 3–5 years before any full integration is completed.

Member Forums

Once recommendations on key issues particularly membership, structure, and finance are finalised, Huntingdale will hold Member Forums to provide an opportunity for questions and input.

While Metropolitan has already conducted member forums in response to enquiries and focus groups, your General Committee has taken the view that it is premature to open formal discussions without a fuller picture of what is being proposed. October has been earmarked as a more suitable time to begin these forums at Huntingdale.

If you have any questions regarding the amalgamation, please feel free to contact me directly. I’m more than happy to speak with any member about the process.

Best regards,