Top golf clubs Kingswood and Peninsula Country set to merge as membership dwindles MEMBERS of two of Melbourne's most famous golf clubs will soon decide on a historic merger that could serve as a model for other clubs facing uncertainty. On September 17, Kingswood and Peninsula Country members will vote on whether to unite amid dwindling memberships and falling cash reserves. If the merger goes ahead, Kingswood's $80 million site in Dingley Village will be redeveloped for housing, pending rezoning of the land. The club's members will transfer to the Peninsula course in Frankston with the merged club to benefit from improved facilities. Richmond footy legend and Kingswood member Kevin Bartlett said the move made sense. "It will be fantastic if the two clubs come together because as we all know, unfortunately golf clubs are losing members and some are going out of business," he said. There's always emotion if you're going to leave any site. But if Collingwood Football Club can leave Victoria Park - well, you don't get much more emotion than that. Kingswood general manager Heath Wilson said the decision to join forces was an emotional one, but necessary. "It's clearly needed for the future because our numbers are going down and down," he said. This can make it one of the best clubs in Melbourne and have financial backing behind it. Kingswood has had a 25 per cent slump in membership in the past 10 years, including 115 resignations and faces stiff competition from golf clubs such as Southern and Spring Valley. Golf Victoria is encouraging struggling clubs to amalgamate. Kingswood management has told its members that the influx of funds to Peninsula would allow it to maintain two 18-hole courses to championship quality. "It would allow the refurbishment and upgrading of our facilities and it would allow us to set up a substantial future fund which would give us financial security in the decades ahead," an information statement said.