THE FLOODS
12 MONTHS ON
It was one of Queensland golf ’s toughest periods
and left many golf clubs shaken, but not defeated.
By David Newbery
In January 2011, the effects of the floods
and Cyclone Yasi resulted in flooded and
isolated golf courses from Brisbane to the
Darling Downs to Central Queensland
and even further west and north.
Most golf clubs, particularly smaller
clubs, felt the financial strain and had to
rely on grants and additional bank loans
to help in the recovery. The big wet also
had an effect on employees’ livelihoods,
particularly casual staff.
Some golf clubs sent staff on annual leave;
some received reduced working hours
while others were given shovels and told
to assist in the clean-up.
Still, they were the lucky ones because
many golf club members lost their homes
during the summer of discontent.
Images of the damage to golf courses
were astonishing. At McLeod Country
Golf Club in Brisbane, neighbouring
homeowners used speedboats to access
their flooded properties.
Today, some golf courses still carry a few
remaining scars inflicted by the weather
while others have patched up the wounds
and again are picture-perfect.
The Brisbane Golf Club resembled a
fruit, vegetable and fish market when
produce from the Rocklea markets floated
on to the fairways while other courses
resembled African water holes muddied
by herds of elephant.
Golf Industry Central contacted a
number of the worst affected golf clubs to
find out