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

With a shareholders vote expected by mid-October, the prospective new owner of Westwood Country Club made another pitch to members in an effort to help secure the deal.

The operators of Windows on the Green pledged to keep the golf course and pool at the Amherst country club a "fully private, membership-based facility" from the date they assume ownership through at least Dec. 31, 2013. They insist there will be no public play on the course during that period.

A month ago, Windows on the Green was selected by the board of directors to purchase the club. However, some directors, shareholders and club members have said that an offer from Snyder Corp. might be a better financial package. Windows on the Green, Snyder Corp. and Amherst Golf Partners were all vying for the club.

Terms of the offer by Windows on the Green were not disclosed, although it's known that Snyder Corp. offered $3.5 million. Windows on the Green, which already handles Westwood's food, beverage and catering operations, has a right of first refusal for any offer made.

Snyder Corp. proposed using some of the 186 acres to develop a hotel on the property. It would maintain the 18-hole, par-72 golf course and historic clubhouse.

The financially ailing Westwood sought a buyer amid dwindling membership and rising costs. Once one of the most prominent private clubs, it now lists just 230 members, despite attempts to bring in new golfers and others.

Westwood President Barry Singer said he expects the Windows on the Green contract to be finalized within days. Then the board will set a shareholders vote. Shareholders need at least 10 days notice of the meeting and subsequent vote.

"Putting a contract together takes time," Singer said. "We're anxious to do it. There is no hold-up. It's just a matter of the attorneys going over the details."

The Westwood has 88 shareholders among 230 members. Any sale must be ratified by at least two-thirds of shareholders.

A Sept. 22 letter regarding Windows on the Green - a team of Jon Cohen, owner of Johnny C's restaurant and catering service, developer John Yurtchuk and businessman Todd Sugarman - was  sent out to counteract rumblings by club members, according to Yurtchuk.

"Our desire is not to close the club," he said. "Our desire is to save the club and not run off and build a hotel on the property, which probably wouldn't get approved by the town anyways."

The letter backs up Yurtchuk's statement, pledging that "we have no intention of developing any portion of the golf course or the club's other members facilities."

Windows on the Green said yearly membership fees for active, family members will be $3,400 annually and $2,900 for individual golf memberships with unlimited play.

Fees will be dropped for golf cart storage, bag storage, lockers and use of the practice facility. Unlimited access to the pool is included for current and active members, and minimums for food and beverage will be eliminated.

Assessments also will be dropped. Yurtchuk said Windows on the Green ownership will fund any future improvements and upgrades.

"The whole point of the letter is to offer clarity to our position," he said.