Gold Circle throws lifeline to Royal Durban Golf Club MyZA

Gold Circle throws lifeline. Photo: PA Wire / Press Association Images

Horse racing group Gold Circle has offered R10 million for the cash-strapped Royal Durban Golf Club in a lifeline deal aimed at rescuing the course from possible closure.

In a letter circulated yesterday, the captain of the golf club, Frans Kemper, urged its members to accept the racing group’s deal above two other possible plans to be tabled at a special meeting on Monday.

Gold Circle acting chief executive, Michel Nairac confirmed the proposed deal yesterday, saying the purchase of the course would complement the R150m refurbishment to bring horse racing into line with the city’s vision to make Durban a big events destination.

Nairac said the golf club was “totally dependent” on income from the Greyville racecourse to balance its books.

“It is a nice agreement. But there is no news until they take it to their members. Then we would have to discuss it with the city. It will be a long process,” he said.

Kemper said the deal was a positive move and for the betterment of Durban. He said the meeting on Monday was to address members’ concerns and to give them all the facts.

“There are some who are against it. But we believe this is very positive for Durban,” he said. – The Mercury

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