Exclusivity At Castlewood Country Club Could Get Much Pricier

PLEASANTON, CA — The future of Castlewood Country Club is unclear and will likely remain that way for everyone who is not a member of the private Pleasanton organization. The club has been wrestling with big decisions of late, particularly what to do about local and federal mandates that the exclusive enclave get up to code per the Americans with Disabilities Act. The facility has a long, storied history, but it's been in its current state for decades — well before the ADA became law.

Options for what to do about the costly renovations have included making the required ADA updates while also refurbishing the facility to make it more modern. The rehab would likely require, among other things, a hefty spike in the already-pricey dues for existing as well as prospective members.

Another option has been to sell some or part of the large property, but one such offer that came forward was recently turned down by membership, according to a report in Pleasanton Weekly.

So what next? CCC General Manager John Vest has not returned an email requesting comment on the matter. In the meantime, there has been some reporting on the downfall of country clubs across the nation. Their troubles "are rooted in sagging demand, a lucrative real estate market and competition from alternative golf-related businesses," according to a report in The Business Journals.

But not everyone in the country club biz is suffering, The Business Journals found. Nonprofit facilities with at least $10 million in annual revenue — the wealthiest 1 percent in America — seem to be doing fine. Rich members, many of whom continue to get richer, don't seem bothered by ever-increasing membership dues, TBJ reported.

As for Castlewood Country Club, just how much the facility's members are willing to pay for their exclusive amenities (that require ADA updating) remains a mystery for now.