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Society dissolves, golf course in receivership

Staff and members of the Pemberton Valley Golf and Country Club are guaranteed a few more weeks of tee times after bank officials paid a visit to the course late last week.

Staff and members of the Pemberton Valley Golf and Country Club are guaranteed a few more weeks of tee times after bank officials paid a visit to the course late last week.

Pete Vize, president of the club’s board of directors, said he and the four remaining board members resigned last Tuesday, after the bank was instructed to call their loan.

“We’re operational for another 10 to 14 days, until a receiver is put in place and all the directors have resigned, so the society… has become insolvent,” said Vize.

Up until the receiver steps in, members will still be able to play for free, and the paying public can use the facility at regular green fee rates.

“We’re open for business as usual and we’re staying open on the bank’s advice to facilitate what they want done,” said Vize.

After meeting with Royal Bank officials at the course last Thursday, Vize said the PVG&CC will be run by a “skeleton staff” and volunteers in order to keep cash flow going.

Once a receiver is appointed, they will assume responsibility for recovering the loan and the bank will decide the fate of the course.

Dave Callum, head golf professional at the course, said he suspects the receiver will try and keep the club open until the end of the season.

“They’ve got to obviously keep it in tip top shape to protect their assets,” said Callum.

Callum said after weeks of uncertainty, staff members were relieved to hear their jobs are secure for at least the next few weeks, and they will be paid on time.

“We knew we’d always get it, it was just how long it may take,” said Callum.

“I’ve got kids that work for me who have rent to pay and everything else.”

Callum also sent an e-mail out to members late last week to let them know what is going on with the club.

“As far as I know, memberships will still be valid until the receiver says no,” he said.

Vize said the PVG&CC is a “community-orientated facility to be utilized to the maximum,” and he is asking people to lend a hand to keep everything running smoothly.

“Anybody who would like to volunteer their services, feel free to come out and help out.”