Sutton Creek golf club for sale in Windsor area

MCGREGOR, Ont. -- Members of Sutton Creek Golf Club, which went into receivership Dec. 2, are being asked to be patient while the bankruptcy trustee tries to arrange a sale of the property.

Andrea Orr, a trustee with BDO Canada, said the course will be advertised for sale this week with a March 1 deadline for expressions of interest.

Orr declined to divulge an asking price, saying only that potential purchasers will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before being given access to financial information on the trustee’s website.

“We’ve had some considerable interest already and all from individuals or groups interested in operating it as a golf course,” said Orr.

Henry Schwager, who has been a member at Sutton Creek for 10 years, said he was prepared to wait and see what happens.

“I’m not ready to commit to another course just yet,” he said. “I know that some members have decided to move on but I’m willing to wait it out before I make a decision.”

In November, contributors to a golf enthusiasts website said the course had been listed for $3.6 million in the Globe and Mail.

The course celebrated its 20th anniversary this past season and has built a solid reputation. It’s been ranked as “an excellent golf course” by Score Golf and has hosted a number of Ontario and regional championships over the years.

Only two weeks before the receivership notice was posted, Debbie Aliberti, owner and general manager, denied the club had gone into receivership and declined further comment.

In a message to members posted on the club’s website in October, Aliberti said “as you know, we approached members about partial ownership earlier in the year but that has been put to rest.

“We have been approached by different parties interested in purchasing the club because of the rumours circulating but it has gone no further than that.”

Aliberti added that “like most clubs in the area we are struggling financially and will for the next couple of years.”

In an attempt to increase membership earlier this year, Sutton Creek reduced its initiation fees from $15,000 to $2,000.

Orr said the Windsor Family Credit Union brought BDO into the process late last year and gave instructions to find a buyer.

“We’re just asking that the members sit tight and let the process play out,” said Orr. “We’re hopeful we can find a buyer within the alloted time frame.”