As a SunLand resident and former serious golfer before coming here, I hope my neighbors won't react too quickly to a fear that property values will drop if the golf club fails. Golfers represent a minority in the community; in fact, one third of golf club members are not SunLand residents.

Contributions of $300 per year from every property owner will not solve the club's problems. Golf's popularity has been declining for years nationwide; local courses have suffered, some failed.

SunLand's aging population means we must deal with demographic changes that will affect our community in coming years. Newer residents likely will be younger and have less interest in golf.



Perpetual easement

The golf course exists thanks to a conservation easement that will remain with it in perpetuity. By designating a portion of the land as open space that can no longer be developed, the owners' tax burden was reduced. At SunLand, the restricted land was turned into the golf course and deeded to SunLand Golf & Country Club for $100.

Unfortunately, communication from the SunLand Golf & Country Club has been minimal and limited to statements that serve the interests of the club. As it is now, homeowners are being asked to save the golf course, which would provide a tangible benefit to the minority who golf but would provide no tangible benefit to others.



Cut course in half

If I must help pay to maintain land, I want to be able to use that land. Reducing the course to nine holes and turning the rest into an open space preserve could keep SunLand attractive to those who like to golf "at home" as well as those who would like to enjoy the land in more natural ways.

An article in the Oct. 7 Sequim Gazette quoted the golf club president as saying the course could "potentially be converted into a park, but that costs money and still requires maintenance."

What's not stated is that a park would be open to all residents, not just a minority, and maintenance costs would be minimal.



Trees and trails

Converting some land to open space with more woods, fields, and walking and biking trails could appeal to today's buyers more than the golf course and give SunLand a marketing edge over other developments in Sequim.

If the golf club can't find better ways to remain solvent than asking other property owners to support it, every effort should be made to find ways to convert some of the land to something all residents can enjoy.

The highest tax bill on the land ever paid was $17,231 in 2005, which comes to $25 per homeowner based on 700 properties. Compare that with the tax you pay on your small lot. The $300 per property being requested by the golf club would raise $210,000, which could be enough to maintain a nine-hole course and a mostly natural open space preserve.

Let's do something that benefits all.



Ron Croft is a SunLand resident.