Dear members,

Introduction/Preamble

As you are all fully aware, the lockdown has wreaked havoc on the economy and Westlake has not escaped this. Budgeting for the new financial year was a real challenge and despite substantial savings in all departments and the cutting of increases and bonuses for our staff, there will still be a shortfall for the upcoming year.

The Case

Westlake is a member’s club and as such, when there is a shortfall due to exceptional circumstances from time to time, a levy may be charged. As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant lockdown, the club lost almost 3 months’ worth of income, placing it under some financial stress.

Due to diligent management, the results of this were minimised substantially. However, some form of levy will still be required to contribute towards Westlake’s financial well-being for the new year commencing in September. The committee wanted to ensure that this “burden” was distributed fairly. By imposing a once-off lump sum levy on all members, a member playing once a month would pay the same as a member playing 4 times per week. In order to be more equitable, a small levy per round was deemed to be best.

In deciding on the annual increase, management and the committee wanted to keep this as low as possible to assist our members, hence the very low 3%. Not knowing when lockdown will end, when the limit of 50 people per gathering will be lifted and when full functions will be allowed, meant having to take educated guesses on budgeting for the forthcoming financial year. There was obviously no prior example to compare this to and not knowing how membership would be adversely affected, also added to the list of unknowns.

As has been well documented, early September was being used to see the extent of any falloff, not just in member losses, but also downgrades which erode precious income. The fact that the bar has been allowed to re-open has boosted our potential income for the year and we have been able to re-evaluate our potential shortfall somewhat.

Conclusion

Having considered all these factors and looked at an improved, but still less than desirable scenario, the Committee have taken the decision to limit the Covid Levy to just R20 per round. In addition, this will be capped at 75 rounds, limiting the increase to a maximum of R1500 for the members that reach that threshold.

This levy is applicable to members and visitors alike. The innovative idea of giving existing members 10% of the value of any NEW member they bring to the club to assist with their fees, remains in place and has already assisted some of our members! The levy will commence on the 1st of October 2020.

We would very much like to thank all the members of Westlake for their continued support of this great club and their understanding in what has been a challenging time.

Sincere best wishes.

Management and Committee
Westlake Golf Club