VIRGINIA WATER, England –– The spirit of golf has left Wentworth Golf Club. That much is obvious from the actions of new owners Reignwood.
The Chinese company is kicking 4,000 members out of their own club unless they pay a debenture of $167,000. Members were handed a fait accompli this month. It simply said: Pay up or get out!
Most members who agree to buy the debenture will then have to pay double the current annual subscription of $12,000, although there are limited individual memberships at a cost of $15,000 per annum.
I wonder if Reignwood chairman Chanchai Ruayrungruang hands out candy on Halloween, or if his middle name is Ebenezer.