IT’S taken a logistical operation of military proportions at Narooma Golf Club to keep open a fully functional 18-hole course and keep the visitors coming that the town relies on.
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Golfers wanting to access the back nine have to swap carts by walking themselves and their gear across a waterway to a fleet of extra carts parked on the other side.
The issue is the wooden bridge leading to the eighth hole across the Little Lake estuary that is an important public access bridge not only for golfers but for all Narooma community and visitors to use.
The use of bridge has been restricted to pedestrian traffic only with no golf carts allowed across, as it has come to the end of its natural life due to wear and tear.
Council replaced a second wooden bridge further up the back nine was replaced after a partial collapse last year, but now it’s the bridge closer to the surf club road that needs replacing.
Narooma Golf Club general manager Domimic Connaughton said the club has had to hire an additional 30 carts from a golf club in Sydney so they can be used on the back nine to keep the golf course open and operating.
This has cost the club an extra $26,000 so far and required a roster of volunteers to drive the extra cars to and from the club’s sheds each day.
The club had pulled out all stops to keep the course open and approaches have been made to the local State member for funding assistance.
“The club is currently seeking options on how the bridge is to be replaced and could cost up to $200,000 and is organising a “Build a Bridge” benefit night to assist with costs,” Dominic said.
The benefit night is scheduled for Friday, May 1, on the Narooma Oyster Festival weekend, for a 6.30pm start at the Narooma Golf Club.
Tickets are $25 per person, which includes a cocktail menu and entry, and must be paid for at front reception by Wednesday, April 29.
Don Mosley from the 2GB Ray Hadley Continuous Call Crew in Sydney will be the MC and will be interviewing both Ian Shubert, former rugby league player for the Roosters and Australian representative, and Kevin “Cowboy” Neale, former AFL star for the Saint Kilda Club, on the stage prior to the auction
The club has nearly $20,000 worth of auction items, including:
- Solar system ($3,000)
- A round of golf at Lynwood country club in Sydney playing with touring professional Paul Gow, which includes a master class with him. ($2,500)
- 2.5kw Mitsubishi electric wall mounted air conditioner/heater ($1000)
- A variety of signed and framed prints/jumpers of Adam Scott, Jason Day, Bubba Watson, Rory McIlroy, Cameron White, Collingwood and Essendon ($4,000)
- Golf bag and other golf merchandise ($1000)
- Accommodation vouchers from Amooran, Surf Beach Holiday Park Resort and the Golfers Lodge ($650)
- Golf packages including cart hire ($580)
- Laptop ($500)
- iPad Air ($800)
- Toro lawn mower and a whipper snipper ($1200)
- Hunter Valley wine tour for six people ($480)
- Esky, wines and spirits (500)
- Numerous gift vouchers from local businesses in town
- Plenty more items to be auctioned including some raffles during the night
“We would like to thank everyone who has been so generous in donating items for this auction it has been very much appreciated,” Dominic said.
“A list of people who have donated items will be on display on the night.”
“All funds raised on the night will go towards the costs associated with replacement of the 8th bridge.
“The bridge is a public access bridge for the community of Narooma and our valued visitors and we hope to get a large crowd in attendance. All welcome!”
