Members of Port Royal and Ocean View are up in arms over proposed changes to the fee structures at Government-owned golf courses.

In an e-mail seen by The Royal Gazette, the Port Royal members committee executive has revealed that the Board of Trustees of the Golf Course has proposed discontinuing senior and family memberships among a wide range of moves designed to put the courses on a more sustainable financial footing.

Port Royal has 159 senior members, 20 junior members, 62 in the family membership scheme and 106 regular members. In a survey sent out last week, 141 of the 167 respondents said they would be cancelling their memberships if the proposals were carried through.

Alongside the removal of the senior and family categories, three tiers of membership have been proposed, with weekday membership coming in at $2,250 and regular membership costing $4,000 but with weekend rounds between 7am and 11am incurring an $82 surcharge ($40 service charge + $42 mandatory cart fee).

Premium Membership costs $8,000 and includes unlimited green fees, cart fees, and driving-range tokens with no time or day restrictions.

John Thomas is one of the members considering his options as a result of the removal of the seniors concession.

“For senior members, the financial impact is especially severe,” he said. “The fee will double if weekend play is included, and an additional mandatory $82 charge per day on Saturdays and Sundays will apply for anyone wishing to play before 11am.

“At eight weekend rounds per month, this amounts to $657 monthly and $7,872 annually — on top of the increased membership fee.

“Based on available estimates, Port Royal brings in approximately $800,000 annually in membership fees, not including cart rentals — which likely push total revenue well above $1 million.

“This revenue reduces the financial burden on government funding for maintenance and operations. Given this, the critical question is whether the club can afford to lose such a substantial and reliable income source. Current projections suggest a potential loss of $300,000 to $400,000 in membership revenue as early as April due to members not renewing.

“While members acknowledge the importance of maintaining and improving the club’s facilities, many are deeply concerned about how these changes will affect participation, inclusivity, and long‑term sustainability. The announcement has amplified calls for clearer communication, better transparency, and a detailed explanation of how the increased funds will be used to benefit the club and its community.

“Looking forward, members hope that open and constructive dialogue between the government and the Port Royal community will lead to a more balanced and reasonable approach — one that protects the club’s future without placing undue burden on the very people who support it.

“For members feeling frustrated, my honest advice is this: consider boycotting the membership and paying per round instead. If the membership no longer offers meaningful value, there is little reason to commit your money.”

In the recent budget statement, more than $500,000 was allocated to government golf courses under the capital expenditure category. Jason Wade, chairman of the board of trustees of the golf courses, said changes were essential to improve finances.

“The Government golf courses have run at a significant deficit each year,” Wade said.

“Our board has been tasked to reduce that deficit and better utilise public funds by the minister [Owen Darrell].

“The membership structures at both courses are currently up for review as we look to reduce the losses the courses take each year.

“Over the past year, significant investment has been put into both courses to ensure better playability for all. Currently the courses employ 36 full-time staff that work tirelessly to ensure this happens.

“The board has met with both of the membership executives. Proposals have been given with the expectation for counter proposals to be considered early next week.

“While negotiations are under way it would be inappropriate of me to discuss the details until we have finalised the changes in collaboration with the memberships. The misinformation that is being circulated about seniors having to pay four times what they currently pay are categorically false. We have asked the memberships from both courses to be involved in the collaborative process.

“We are committed to working with both memberships to ensure that an equitable solution is found.”