The Lu Lu Country Club outside Philadelphia is the site of some interesting drama these days. Thanks to reader Steve for tipping us off about it.
The nearly 100-year-old club, with a Donald Ross-designed course, has hit a tough patch financially. According to the Montgomery News,
Lu Lu was approached by the owner of another Pennsylvania club, the Blue Bell Country Club, with a takeover offer. Members would get reciprocal privileges at both courses and see a $2,000 reduction in their annual dues, the newspaper says. (Full members are paying about $4,350 a year at the moment, according to Lu Lu's web site.)
Lu Lu members voted down that plan yesterday. Instead, they're talking about selling their local township a conservation easement that would keep the golf course property open and undeveloped in perpetuity. An earlier article in the Montgomery News figured the club could get about $2.5 million for the easement, which could go a long way toward solving its financial problems.
It's not the usual way to save a struggling golf club -- no surprise, there are some pretty harsh critics of the idea -- but it certainly bears keeping an eye on.
The best of Golf Digest delivered daily
Sign UpWill be used in accordance with our PRIVACY POLICY