With all the discussion and speculation lately about certain large golf course mangament companies purchasing, or not purchasing, high-end public access courses in the Ottawa area. What are your thoughts on the subject?

IMHO, I don't like it. I don't have the free time to justify the expense of paying a large initiation fee plus high annual dues, bar tabs, etc. I also think that it serves, to a certain degree, to exclude those of us who appreciate the experience of playing on well maintained courses.

Don't get me wrong, this is not about those people who are members of these clubs. More power to you. Some of my best friends belong to clubs and it suits their needs just fine.

It just seems that all the great courses eventually get sucked up by the "Big Boxes" for the benefit of the few. That's not what golf is supposed to be, IMO.