By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

The board of directors of Westwood Country Club set an Aug. 25 meeting to consider two offers from groups that want to buy the Amherst club.

Westwood President Barry Singer confirmed the offers are from Amherst Golf Partners, led by local businessmen John Hawkins, Tom Ahern and Greg Bauer, and Windows on the Green, an affiliate of Johnny C's Catering, which already operates the food and beverage services. Windows on the Green turned the club's dining room into a public restaurant, and it remains a popular spot for weddings and other special events.

A third bid from Snyder Corp. was rejected by the board of directors.

Citing confidentiality clauses, Singer said he couldn't reveal details of the short-listed bids.

"We did get numerous proposals," he said. "It was the board's decision that these were the two best alternatives to continue the golf course and clubhouse services. The intent is to keep the Westwood open and operating."

Its fate is being closely watched by the local golf community and the region at large because it serves as a telltale economic sign.

With roots dating to 1945, the club has seen dwindling membership coupled with rising costs. In recent years, directors considered a number of moves to aid its bottom line, including an offer earlier this year by developer John Yurtchuk to buy 4.6 acres of land at the corner of Sheridan Drive and North Forest Road for a two-story, 50,000-square-foot medical office building. His proposal was withdrawn after it met stiff opposition from the Amherst Planning Board and Amherst Town Board. Yurtchuk had offered Westwood $1 million for the land he wanted.

Singer, meanwhile, is confident a deal will be struck and the club will remain open for "many years to come."

"We are looking to transition the Westwood to the right people," he said, adding that he hopes to have "a resolution" by the end of September.

Following the Aug. 25 board meeting, Singer said a general meeting with stockholders will be scheduled to ratify a potential deal.

The historic clubhouse, constructed in 1928, is open to the public, but the 18-hole course remains private to members. The club has approximately 255 members. The pool and tennis courts also are available to members only.

Singer said whether the course, pool and tennis courts stay just for members or get opened for general use will be "up to the bidder."

"Our goal remains to keep the Westwood open, as it is now and as it will be in the future," he said.