BATH, Maine — Members of Bath Golf Club have taken matters into their own hands after the city denied a proposal to reduce the course from 18 to 9 holes for a housing development.
Now facing the threat of the entire course being turned into housing, dedicated members are making a concerted effort to save the historic grounds.
On Election Day, club members demonstrated their commitment by holding up signs outside polling stations, urging residents to sign a petition to save the course.
The initiative received significant support, with more than 750 signatures from concerned locals.
Alicia Romac, Peter Blachly, and three other members established a nonprofit organization named The Links at Merrymeeting Bay.
If successful in taking over the course, this will be the new name for the golf club.
With the backing of the community, the nonprofit submitted a petition to the city council, seeking a change in the zoning of the golf course district.
The objective is to prevent any permits for cluster housing at the location, safeguarding the course from potential development.
"We expect to have at least 300 to 400 members of the nonprofit to begin with," Peter Blachly, a member of the nonprofit, said.
Resurrection Golf Managing Member Sean McCarthy said after speaking with the group, they would entertain and discuss the idea of a sale.
The family that owns the property has assured that no actions detrimental to the golf course will be taken until at least the spring.
Romac emphasized the goal of raising enough funds to purchase the golf course and transform it into a nonprofit, membership-managed 18-hole course.
While the asking price remains undetermined, the nonprofit is actively seeking investors to raise a minimum of $1 million.
To fund their ambitious plan, the nonprofit will kick off a membership drive in early December, with an accessible starting price of only $20 to become a member. This inclusive approach aims to involve as many community members as possible in the effort to save Bath Golf Club.