The Saint
Counter campaign to Kohler plans
Chartered surveyor opposes plan for Hamilton Hall luxury flat conversion
Jasmine Wheelhouse
The recently published plans for the refurbishment of Hamilton Hall have caused a stir in the golfing world. Richard Wax, a chartered surveyor, specialising in golf course development, has launched a campaign in which he hopes to bring the simple pleasures of golf back to its home.
Wax has been interested in the property since he first visited in the mid-nineties. Over the sixteen years that followed he has conducted site-based, specific research, and has been in numerous discussions with the University aiming to see the building reach its full potential.
With over a decade spent in the golfing industry, Wax believes he has developed the ability to recognise the errors of judgement in the running of golf courses.
He said, It often takes an outsider to realise the potential, claiming that to let Hamilton Hall go to Kohler, is a tragedy.
In over 130 visits to the town over sixteen years, Wax has formulated a plan to develop Hamilton Hall into a golf-themed entertainment place for everyone.
Its definitely not anti-Kohler, Wax insisted, hes a very nice man. Its just anti-Kohler-plans. The billionaire Kohler, worth an estimated $4.5 billion, currently owns the Old Course Hotel and plans to turn the ex-university halls into twenty-six high- priced luxury apartments.
Once youve decided youre not going to be the next Tiger Woods, golf is all about friendship and pleasure, Wax said.
Our plans are an ongoing celebration of golf, and would aim to create a place within St Andrews where people can go, relax and develop their friendships.
Wax hopes to create a place where everyone who shares a love of golf can go and intends for the project to be made fully public with shares being sold for £10 each, whereby all shareholders would be given membership. He explained, It shouldnt be a place for the Donald Trumps! Theres no future in billionaires.
Being the home of golf, St Andrews will always bring legends such as The King Arnold Palmer and the voice of golf Peter Alliss. Wax concluded, Wouldn't it be great to capture these moments and let the people relive them through technology?
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