Country Club announces plan to reopen

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WORTHINGTON — Slightly more than two months after Worthington Country Club shut its doors, the facility will resume office hours Wednesday.

The golf course will reopen for the season when weather permits, according to Worthington Country Club Board President John Koller.

“We are excited to announce that we plan to reopen the Worthington Country Club afresh in the spring,” Koller said.

Equally excited for the club to be back in operation is golf course superintendent Bob Wethor.

“The course has been around since 1919, so it’s exciting for us to be back in 2012,” he said.

The private club closed its doors Nov. 5, 2011, due to a budget shortfall. The inability to meet financial obligations came with several consequences including a potential drop in property value for houses in the vicinity and loss of a banquet space for the community.

With a new business plan in place, board members have broached ways to avoid the same pitfalls that forced the temporary closure.

“During our shutdown, we had to really look at our budget and ask tough questions. We will look a little different,” Koller explained. “We realized the need to limit staff and space. Food would be an example. We will offer limited food but look for ways to greatly reduce the cost involved with preparation and serving.”

Club members will be encouraged to consider volunteering in various areas of the club operations to avoid incurring additional labor charges, Koller explained.

“We have to pull together as a membership and get behind our club,” he said.

In addition to the change in dining arrangements, Koller hopes to see a boost in membership. The club will offer new member rates at prices that will rival those at public courses, he said.

“As a membership, it is critical for us to grow and evolve,” he added.

Club manager Deb Jaycox is optimistic about the future of the facilities this season.

“To have such a beautiful golf course and club house and to not reopen would have been a shame,” she said. “Members surely deserve to have this place back.”

Worthington Country Club office hours will begin next week: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 376-5142.

Daily Globe Reporter Ana Anthony can be reached at 376-7321

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