16th November 2023
On behalf of the Board & Management we are deeply saddened to advise the passing of Astrid Van Dyke, wife of long-term employee Dennis Van Dyke. We send our deepest condolences to Dennis & his family at this time.
Astrid’s funeral & wake will be held at Nielsen Funeral Chapel on Wednesday 22nd November at 2pm.
15th November 2023
8th November 2023
I would like to provide the following update to Members regarding Golf Course Projects, Clubhouse Renovation and other key issues.
2023 AGM
Nominations for the WCC Board closed Monday 6th November 2023. Jim Kennedy did not seek re-election and has retired from the Board. There were 3 nominations received for 3 vacancies and they are Kaye Rollinson, Chris Harrison and Leigh Herbel. Given there are 3 nominations for 3 positions, an election will not be required.
Financial Results
The Club financials for 2022/2023 have been audited and finalised for presentation to the Members in the Annual Report and at the AGM, which will be held on Tuesday 28th November 2023. This past financial year was our first COVID free year since 2020, and as a result I am pleased to report that the Club declared a cash profit of $2,557,229 which is a solid result and up $93,744 on the previous year. We will discuss these results in more detail in the Annual Report and at the AGM.
Clubhouse Renovation
The Board recently received an updated cost plan for the renovation project, as part of its final due diligence on the renovation project. On the basis of this cost plan and the due diligence process, the Board have approved that the project proceed to the Construction Tender Phase. The tender is expected to be advertised in November 2023 and the tender selection process is expected to take 3 months to finalise. Depending on the negotiation process with the winning tender, the Club is projecting to begin the renovation in March 2024 and it is expected to take 7 months to complete.
18th Hole
OCM Golf were engaged to provide a golf course design for the 18th Hole. With the 11th Hole recently completed the Golf Course 5 Year Capital Projects Plan had identified the 11th Hole and Green as the next priority for redevelopment. The Board approved this project at a projected cost of $180,000. A copy of the final design and cost plan is available to view using the links below, and is also on the Club Notice Board. The project has been approved by both Golf Committee’s. The project will commence in January 2024 to give the Club the best opportunity to complete the works and have the hole open for play prior to winter. The Club’s Course Superintendent, Shaun Taylor, will manage this project in conjunction with OCM Golf.
Click here to view the 18th Green Final Design
Click here to view the 18th Green Final Cost Plan
Cart Path 5th Tee & Fairway
In early 2024, the Course Superintendent will trial a new and more cost-effective pathway construction method. This will also incorporate an extension of the 5th Fairway toward the tee and will significantly improve the carriageway for golfers off this tee.
Golf Course Enhancement Plan
The Board have requested OCM Golf to provide a scope and fee proposal document for the preparation of a Golf Course Enhancement Plan for the entire Golf Course. Given the Board’s commitment to ongoing annual Golf Course enhancements, it is appropriate to consider a holistic plan and priorities for the entire Golf Course. This Plan will guide the Club not only in how the Golf Course is best improved/enhanced, but also in the priorities of the various projects. OCM Golf are well qualified to do this work and are considered industry leaders in this field. When the fee proposal is received the Board will consider whether it proceeds or not, with engaging OCM Golf to do this strategic work.
Golf Committee’s
Back in September 2023, Members were advised that the Club was investigating its Golf Committee structures and exploring potential changes to that. The notice advised of the reasons for this and that a working party had been appointed to conduct this review. The working party has met twice and concluded that a single joint Golf Committee is the most efficient and effective model going forward. The detail of how this looks and will operate is now being considered with a view to the matter being presented to the Members at a Special Members Forum to be held on Monday 5th February 2024 at 7pm. I wish to be quite clear about the fact that no decisions will or have been made and will not be done so, ahead of a full consultation process with Members. I also wish to point out that any changes in relation to the current Golf Committee structures and operations would require approval by the Members at a Special General Meeting, in accordance with the Rules.
Michael Hodge
Chief Executive Officer
Warragul Country Club
2nd November 2023
1st November 2023
© 2021 Warragul Country Club. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions Website by MiClub
Warragul Country Club Responsible Service of Gambling code of conduct, click here.
