THE Vines Golf and Country Club members have been left uncertain about the future of The Vines after receiving a letter about the Lakes Course’s closure from February 18 this year.

The closure will apply to both members and the public and is intended to enable construction of a 14-hole short course across Lakes 1 to 8.

The Vines club members said they were not provided with updated design details or information on future user arrangements associated with the proposed short course.

Questions were also raised about continued online advertising of on-site facilities that will no longer be available once construction begins.

The short course forms part of a broader redevelopment proposal for The Vines site first outlined by the owners in June 2021.

That proposal was constrained by planning requirements for several years, limiting the scope of development.

In September 2025, approval was granted to amend The Vines Structure Plan, allowing residential development on land previously used for golf as reported in Swan Valley residents rally against development (Echo News, November 28, 2025).

As part of that approval, sections of the existing course are being removed from golf use.

In response to the proposed changes, club members conducted an opinion survey overseen by the Vines Residents and Ratepayers Association (VRRA).

The survey attracted 216 responses, with 85 per cent of respondents identifying as core golf members.

Survey results indicated 92 per cent opposed the proposed short course.

Eighty-five per cent opposed the existing Ellenbrook holes 3 to 11 configuration, and 87 per cent opposed the proposed new driving range location.

Five per cent of respondents supported all three elements.

The survey also indicated dissatisfaction with current course conditions.

Some respondents indicated they would not renew their memberships, citing concerns that the proposed changes would not improve the golfing experience.

Members raised concerns that residential development on former golf land may permanently alter the purpose and safety of the site.

Some said the changes differed from earlier statements that redevelopment would secure the long-term future of golf at The Vines.

Concerns about club governance have also been raised since 2021.

Members claim opportunities for discussion were limited at annual and special general meetings.

It has been alleged that motions questioning redevelopment plans were unable to proceed.

Members also claim some individuals were censured or suspended following disputes related to the redevelopment.

Concerns were raised about voting arrangements, including the use of additional voting rights by the owner’s representative.

Members say these arrangements prevented motions relating to redevelopment from advancing.

VRRA vice chair Dixon Lowe said the survey reflected declining confidence among club members.

“Total membership has fallen by over 40 per cent from 1,800, before 2021, and the club’s ranking has dropped from second nationally, to barely inside the top 100,” he said.

“Golfers are leaving because the course no longer meets their expectations for quality, amenity and challenge.”

Mr Lowe said commencement of the short course would limit future opportunities to return the site to a full 18-hole course.

He said the changes would reduce public and tourist access to the members’ course to two days per week.

Members said they were concerned about the long-term direction of the club and the future of golf at the site.

The owners previously stated the redevelopment would maintain The Vines as an international-standard golfing facility.

Members say the approved structure plan amendments have led them to question that commitment.

Further details on final design, governance arrangements and long-term public access are yet to be released.