It's a few years since I've played Whitley Bay but on that last occasion at least one hole was being entirely remodelled. I was told in the bar afterwards that it was a benefactor who was paying for it. If that person continued to pile money in, I wouldn't be surprised. Lucky Whitley Bay. I don't have inside knowledge, know any members etc but what you say makes sense.If I remember correctly, it was Whitley Bay GC which benefitted massively from having a wealthy member who decided to lump all his spare cash into the club, mostly by paying for new greens.
I'm not 100% certain, it was a few years ago. Perhaps one of the locals can confirm.
It's a smashing course, I'm a fan. People come to the area and tend to play courses further up the coast or go to the name courses like Close House or Slaley. Whitley Bay should be on more lists for visitors.
One of the few courses up here that is regularly full, has a joining fee.