All-weather upgrades help to secure golf club’s future

Maleny Superintendent Mick McCombe (right) and 2IC Nik Smith on the newly irrigated 3rd Fairway.

By Richard Owen

Maleny Golf Club has undertaken a series of major course upgrades this year, including fairway irrigation, all-weather cart paths and on-course toilets.  

The work was possible thanks to grant funding in excess of $275,000.

Plans are also afoot to restore and enhance the environmental value of a second wetland within the picturesque course precinct and secure more land from the Sunshine Coast Council for cart storage, parking and the construction of a new clubhouse.

General Manager  Stephen Porter said turf damage caused by extreme wet weather in February had sharpened the club’s focus on the need to invest in more permanent and resilient infrastructure improvements.

“The committee recognised that contending with extreme wet or dry weather and providing on-course toilets were essential for the year-around presentation of a high quality, community-run 18-hole golf course to serve members well and attract visitors,” he said.

“The balance between members and visitors is consistent with the Council’s expectations about capturing the full benefits of this community asset,” he said.

Early in 2022 the club secured six grants for remedial work and major projects, including $165,000 from the Queensland Government for fairway irrigation, $85,000 from the RACQ Foundation for all-weather cart-path construction and $9,000 from the SCC towards installation of on-course toilets. 

“While improvements to the course will always be ongoing, the imminent completion of these three projects should greatly improve the golfing experience for both members and visitors,” Mr Porter said.

“In the coming year, the club plans to work closely with the Council to upgrade the southern wetland on the course to enhance its ecological value and store rainwater and recycled water for irrigation.”

Mr Porter said discussions had also been initiated with Council to provide more land for cart storage, parking and to facilitate construction of the permanent clubhouse. 

For more information about Maleny Golf Club, the course and membership options visit the website: www.golfmaleny.com