LINACY – Romeo Roy looks forward to the day he can play a round of golf without trying to come up with ways to make his 18-hole course a better business.
The 86-year-old owner of Linacy Greens said he doesn’t regret buying the farmland 15 years ago and turning it into a lush golf course, but it may not have been the best business decision he ever made.
“You always hope next year will be better because last year was terrible,” he said.
Roy openly admits that the golf course has yet to turn a profit, but he’s optimistic he is getting closer to ending a season in black. He estimated he has more than $4 million invested in the business that will employ about 23 people this season.
He said a fire in 2007 set the golf course back financially and dealing with Mother Nature is always a challenge.
“Last year, we had two days in May and about four days in June,” he said. “The members would come all bundled up because they had already paid their dues, but it was terrible.”
It didn’t help matters that his health started to deteriorate last season when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He said he made the decision last fall that the course wouldn’t open in 2012 because he didn’t think he would be well enough to manage it.
“Last fall, I was in worse shape than I am now so we decided not to open it this year, but I seem to have improved a little bit according the doctors,” he said. “I refunded everyone their money in the fall and sent out letters of apology. I felt bad about it.”
He said since word has gotten out that he will reopen this May, he has gotten calls from members anxious to get back on the course.
“If we don’t sell right away, I think we are very close to getting it in the black,” he said, adding that he has worked with his staff to reduce costs this coming season which should help bring them closer to their goal.
He said he is always looking at new ways to improve the course and draw new customers.
“There is not enough golfers to start with,” he said. “It’s expensive for the regular (people) who are trying to make ends meet. When I see some guys come in for a round, I know they can’t afford it.”
A season-long, 18-hole membership allowing a golfer on the greens every day, runs for about $600. He considers that a reasonable price, but admits it’s not a fee everyone can afford for a hobby.
Roy is also vocal in his opinion that Pictou County doesn’t do enough to draw people and help promote local business. He said motorists will pass by the highway exit signs without knowing what the area has to offer.
“New Glasgow is not promoted – nowhere. P.E.I. is promoted and Cape Breton is promoted, but New Glasgow – zero. It’s a shame because New Glasgow is a good place.”
Roy knows his honest remarks probably won’t help him sell his properly, but he’s optimistic someone can make a living at owning his golf course.
“It’s not a big money maker but it can be if it is managed properly,” he said. “The year that we had the fire, we were pretty close.”
Roy said he has gotten some interest from potential buyers, but no one has made any firm offers. He said he knows he will never get back what he put into the facility, but he’s willing to look at the best offer, within reason.
“I am selling everything, the house, my bed in the back, everything, they can have it all,” he said, adding that the only thing he might ask is that he will be able to return as guest and work on improving his own golf game.