NZ Club St Andrew’s on the market as no longer financially viable

The small South Canterbury golf club about 15 kilometres south of Timaru has been deemed no longer “financially sustainable” according to Harcourts real estate agent Stu Piddington.

The club’s membership has decreased to 66 and agent Piddington said it was a sad time for the club as members had tried hard to keep things going during the past couple of years.

“There have been some robust discussions by the St Andrew’s members but South Canterbury is blessed with so many options when it comes to golf.

“A population of 43,000 can no longer support nine courses.

“I don’t think St Andrew’s will be the only one considering their future.”

Pleasant Point Golf Club president Alton Mangum said during the past 10 to 15 years, a few golf administrators had raised the issue that there were too many clubs in the area.

“In South Canterbury generally a lot of clubs are struggling for numbers.

“I feel a bit sad that the club is no longer going to be able to function as in the past because there will be members down that way that will no longer play golf.

“The ones that are really keen will join other clubs.”

The land for the course was bought in 1974 after a group of golfers from the St Andrews area who were playing at nearby Maungati decided form their own club and it was officially opened in April, 1975.

Piddington said the club was still discussing what would happen with the funds from the sale.

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