Tuncurry Golf Club’s new $3 million state-of-the-art clubhouse, overlooking the first tee, and the 9th and 18th greens, is now open. More than $800,000 was also spent on improvements to the golf course after former Australian touring professional Craig Parry stepped in to review the greens, improve playability and make it a true championship course.
Acting Premier Paul Toole said the upgrade raised the course to a Group One standard to cater for current and future membership growth, club events and tournaments, helping to boost local and regional golf tourism.
“The project delivers on the NSW Government’s 2019 election commitment to construct a state-of-the-art clubhouse with modern technologies, and improved accessibility to amenities, from tee to greens,” he said.
“This is a big win for the region, putting Forster-Tuncurry on the map as a driver for major state and national golfing events.”
Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the project also includes a Golf Museum, with memorabilia supplied by the Australian Golf Heritage Society.
“It will be a huge local attraction, really helping to further boost tourism in the region,” he said. “In addition, the newly constructed clubhouse, which houses the museum, recently won a lucrative Public Architecture award for providing an added tourist drawcard to the region – another win for the Myall Lakes.”
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the improvements will help to increase participation.
“The golf club already draws 5000 visitors a year and we are looking forward to this number increasing even further now that this first-class facility is complete,” he said.
The new building comprises the golf museum, a community kitchen, undercover seating for up to 200 people, a barbecue area and playground.
The upgrade includes solar power generation, energy-efficient technologies and water retention and reuse system; inclusive amenities and accessible ramps; resealing of car park and driveway; review of the course by a professional golf course designer; renovations of tees and greens; reconstruction of the cart path, plus all-weather practice facilities.
Currently rated in the top 100 courses in Australia, it is hoped the improvements and upgrades will increase the golf club’s chances of attracting major tournaments and events. Tuncurry Golf Club will host the NSW Senior Amateur Championships in November, while the rescheduled NSW Women’s Open will be held in March 2023.
