‘Save the Vines’: Golf members face censorship in revolt against 14-hole short course and housing plans

Controversial plans for a novelty golf course at a prestigious club in Perth have resulted in members revolting — despite apparent threats by its owners to rip up their memberships if they spoke out. The Vines Resort and Country Club in the Swan Valley previously boasted 36 tournament-quality holes and was the envy of other golf courses around Perth. But redevelopment plans, which include the construction of 100 “medium density” houses, will mean fairways once graced by the likes of Greg Norman and Fred Couples will be gutted and turned into a 14-hole short course. The pair of traditional 18-hole courses, called Lakes and Ellenbrook, were renovated and combined to become a single championship 18-hole course, leaving behind two standalone nine-hole courses. But one of those is now destined to be a 14-hole short course, with works beginning on February 18 — an almost unheard of move around the world. Club members, who are baffled by the sacrifice of a traditional 18-hole course for the novelty course, claim it is evidence that the overseas owners — the Kishu Railway Company from Japan — are “prioritising housing over golf”. The longstanding feud between the resort and members — who pay up to $4399 a year — took a nasty turn when long-time golfers began to voice their disdain over the redevelopment changes at meetings, fighting for a course they call home. Their outrage was met with censorship or suspension. “Members have been prevented from holding meaningful discussions, or raising concerns about design details,” Vines Residents and Ratepayers Association vice-chairman Dixon Lowe said. “Seven people have lost memberships.” And they are just the latest members to leave the club. The initial 2021 decision by The Vines to undergo drastic changes resulted in a mass exodus of its members, losing more than 40 per cent of a previously impressive 1800 base. Those who have stuck around are pledging to continue fighting to save their course, which includes a pending legal case. According to The Vines, the major shake-up is a step into the “future of golf” aimed to provide a quicker way to play the sport, which it claims will be more inviting for families. “The creation of the new 14-hole short course, along with a state-of-the-art driving range, while retaining 27 of the existing holes, reflect the global trends in golf course sustainability and design — as well as community and member feedback,” a spokesperson from The Vines said. “For courses to remain viable they need to have a whole-of-community appeal and be a destination where families want to go, experience and enjoy the game. “The short course is a key to achieving that. The Vines is over 30 years old and this is part of the renewal to restore its standing as a premium tourism and community asset for Perth and the Swan Valley.” But Mr Lowe said members had been left baffled over the “irreversible” decision, evidenced in a survey at the club. “We conducted a survey and that attracted 216 respondents, with 85 per cent of those being core golf club members,” Mr Lowe said. “(The results) showed 92 per cent of the 216 respondents were against the short course. “The problem is they are carving up an 18-hole fully functioning lakes course, which has hosted international competitions — so it’s a real asset.” It is not just members who have been taken aback by the 14-hole course — a very unconventional number in an extremely traditional sport. Perth golf course architect Michael Coate has worked on a number of short courses, but says he has never come across the approach that The Vines has chosen to take. “I haven’t seen that done before, having 14 holes... that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me,” Mr Coate said. “But (short courses) can provide an alternative... you can play a nine-hole executive course in an hour and a half and it saves a lot of time.” Mr Coate agreed that the 14 holes would alienate the serious golfer. Despite the ongoing fight, many members say they have been forced into anonymity, hiding their identity to not risk their memberships. “The Vines has historically been a premier destination for championship-level play; this proposal risks turning it into a one-dimensional experience,” an anonymous member of The Vines Resort said. “The proposed short course fundamentally undermines the golfing experience at The Vines. Golfers expect a course that offers strategic variety, safety and quality practice facilities. This redesign sacrifices those essentials. “Other clubs, like Wembley Golf Course, have enhanced facilities without reducing their footprint — proving that thoughtful redevelopment can strengthen golf rather than diminish it.” GolfWA, the sport’s leading governing body in the State, argues that Perth has a need for more short courses and that the move would provide a refreshing alternative within the sport. “Although there are few in the Perth metropolitan area, we are seeing a significant global increase in the creation and use of short courses,” GolfWA chief executive Arron Minchin said. “Some of the most successful golf facilities in Australia now provide a traditional 18-hole experience alongside these alternative formats, which are often more attractive options for casual golfers. “Part of the appeal lies in their accessibility for families, beginners, juniors and social golfers. They also offer a fast, fun and laid-back experience that doesn’t require a large time commitment.” There is currently only one known 14-hole golf course in Australia — the Bougle Run in Tasmania — and one in New York.