Course Development
$10M DOLLAR CLUBHOUSE RESTORATION
UNDERWAY AT NELSON BAY GOLF CLUB
By Mathilda Andersson
An extensive renovation is en route for the popular
Port Stephens club after a devastating Father’s Day fire
engulfed the clubhouse last year.
What was supposed to be a joyous day for the club
and its members turned out a tragedy when the
clubhouse and adjoining restaurant went up in flames
in early September last year.
The clubhouse, originally built in 1963 and which had
recently undergone a $2 million renovation, suffered
extensive damage to the bar, auditorium, office and
poker machine areas, sparing only the course and a
few other nearing facilities like the pro shop and the
outdoor verandah.
No personal injuries we recorded in the accident.
In order to recommence business as usual the club
relocated into a temporary clubhouse and office in
December 2015, and i s now reportedly spending
close to $10 million of the insurance funds on a
comprehensive rebuild of the club venue.
Club captain Peter Power said the revamp would make
the clubhouse “state of the art” and was expected to
attract more potential members.
“It’ll be the best club in the district with hopefully the
potential to combine other tourist attractions with golf
packages,” he told the Port Stephens Examiner last
month.
“We think it will also attract more social membership.”
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Construction of the new 2100-square-metre multileveled clubhouse, which will feature room for retail,
a pro shop and balconies overlooking the course,
commenced four months ago and is estimated to
reach completion by June next year.
The development includes function rooms with ability
to cater for up to 230 people, which will be used to
attract weddings, conferences and other events along
with an outdoor ceremony area.
Additionally, the rebuild will feature an outdoor
courtyard and a play area for children.
According to the club’s new sales and marketing
manager Natalie Kelly, the club has been able to cope
well considering its’ tough times, with little loss in
terms of playing memberships.
“The social side of the business has gone down a bit
during this period as a result of not being able to host
any major functions,” she said.
“But luckily the course was not damaged by the fire
so we have still been able to facilitate 71.000 rounds
yearly and host competitions for our 2500 members.
“With construction ready we will be available for
weddings, functions, conferences on a bigger scale
than before, and we’ll also be hosting a lot of comeand-try days.”
Kelly also told the club is currently undergoing a
rebranding, which will increase the club’s social
media presence.
The Golf Marketing Professionals www.golfindustrycentral.com.au