Every representative on the Port Royal Golf Course Members Executive Commitee has resigned over the government’s proposed changes to the fee structure.

The committee stepped down after the Board of Trustees Government Golf Courses approved revised membership rates and fee structures after taking Port Royal members’ counter proposal into consideration, with the new prices coming into effect on April 1,

“A significant factor in this decision is the new level of membership pricing, which I believe has become unsustainable and does not reflect the best interests of the wider membership and community,” outgoing president of Port Royal and members executive committee chair Tracey Burgess told The Royal Gazette.

“Despite efforts to address these concerns, it has become clear that the present Board of Trustees feel this significant hike in membership prices was the way forward despite losing loyal members that have been with the club through thick and thin.

“The recent decision to increase membership fees at Port Royal has understandably raised concern among members and the wider community. This is particularly disappointing given that a proposal was submitted to the Board of Trustees that was carefully considered, fair in its approach, and reflective of the interests of the broader community — especially our senior golfing community.

“That proposal aimed to balance the financial sustainability of the club with accessibility, ensuring that Port Royal remains inclusive and representative of the people it serves. Many believed it offered a reasonable path forward — one that acknowledged economic realities while avoiding undue burden on members.”

Jason Wade, chairman of the Board of Trustees Government Golf Course, said the Board had been tasked with ensuring that both Port Royal and Ocean View Golf Course, the island’s other Government-operated public golf course, are run in “a more efficient manner”.

He said as public funds are used to subsidise the courses, the Board made the “bold decision” to adjust the membership structures and fees for both courses.

He said members were given proposals and counter proposals were received, which the Board took into account and found a “middle ground”. He also addressed the committee’s resignation.

“It is important to note that Port Royal is not a private members club but a public golf course with a membership and we are obligated to ensure that the course is available and accessible for the entire golfing public, not just the membership,” he said.

“The new structure ensures that the membership have full access to the course at rates that are far less than the comparable private members clubs on island, whilst ensuring that the public also has access to the course specifically during peak times.

“We can appreciate that some members may not want to pay the increase in membership fees and respect that decision but we cannot continue on the path of having such heavily discounted golf at the expense of the taxpayer.

“The Board would like to thank any membership executives who are stepping down for their contributions made to the course, and wish them the very best going forward.”

Burgess feels that the decision to proceed with a higher increase, despite the input of members, risks “undermining confidence in the consultative process” moving forward.

“When members take the time to engage constructively and put forward thoughtful solutions, there is a clear expectation that their voices will be meaningfully considered and heard,” she said.

“Port Royal holds a special place in the community and its future depends not only on sound financial management but also on trust, transparency and collaboration.

“Moving forward, it is essential that dialogue between stakeholders and decision-makers is strengthened and that community perspectives play a more central role in shaping outcomes.”

Among a host of changes at Port Royal is a 30 per cent increase in family membership to $8,500, a 25 per cent hike in full membership to $5,000 and a 25 per cent increase for seniors to $2,700.

Green fees for local weekends, local seniors and non residents have increased, while there is also a mandatory cart fee on top of the increase from 7am to 11am on weekends, which also applies to walkers.

“As a publicly owned golf course, Port Royal remains committed to providing access to the wider community while also preserving the value and experience of membership,” Wade said in a letter addressed to Port Royal members.

“These approved adjustments are intended to support this balance, ensuring that the course continues to be maintained to a high standard and remains an asset for both its members and the general public.”

The move has sparked outrage among Port Royal members who strongly oppose the new increase in membership.

One member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, has accused Government of “ostracising the community” with the revised fee changes.

“This government was supposed to be for the people and literally in one strike of the pen it has literally just ostracised the community it serves by such a drastic increase in a public venue where the people of Bermuda played,” the member said.

“The course was built during a time when Bermuda was transitioning to an integrated society and is noted for its role in making high-quality golf accessible to the people of Bermuda, and with these increases, it is making it inaccessible to the people of Bermuda.”

Underlying some of the members’ concerns is the lack of transparency surrounding the finances of government golf courses, with the last annual report officially audited by the Auditor-General coming in 2020, which members have sought via a PATI request.

Among the revised membership rates and fee structure at Ocean View is a 24 per cent increase for full membership to $1,300 and 42 per cent hike for seniors to $1,000 along with green fees for both 18 and nine holes.

“As a publicly owned golf course, Ocean View remains committed to providing access to the wider community while also preserving the historical value and experience of membership,” Wade said in a letter addressed to Ocean View members.

“These approved adjustments are intended to support this balance, ensuring that the course continues to be maintained to a high standard and remains an asset for both its members and the general public.”