British MP Philip Hammond described Reignwood's plans as "very disappointing." Photo / Mark Mitchell
British MP Philip Hammond has intervened in a longstanding row between the Chinese owners of Wentworth golf club and its members following a row over price hikes.
Long-time members of the Surrey-based golf club have accused the new Chinese owners of using an eye-watering fee hike to get rid of
them and turn the club into a preserve of the global ultra-rich.
The dispute has caused diplomatic ripples, with interventions from the Foreign Secretary, who represents the local area in Parliament, and from the Chinese embassy in London.
The Beijing-based property and investment firm Reignwood Group bought Wentworth in 2014.
They were looking to raise 100,000 ($222,500) from members to remain part of the club by doubling maximum annual fees to 16,000.
