13th Beach Golf Links axes executive as The Sands seeks hotel sale

In the lead up to the biggest golf event in the Geelong region, anger is bubbling away among club members regarding a decision to let go of a popular executive without explanation.

Matt Stewart, picture here in 2021, is no longer golf operations manager at 13th Beach Golf Links. Picture: Glenn Ferguson.

One the region’s premier golfing destinations is heading into its biggest event of the year without an operations manager, while another coastal course is trying to offload its 100 hotel rooms.

The $400,000 Victorian Open kicks off at 13th Beach Golf Links on Thursday, less than three weeks after popular, long-term employee Matt Stewart was made redundant, much to the dismay of club members.

Mr Stewart worked at the club for a decade, around half of that as operations manager.

In an email from general manager Rob Hurley, who joined the club from Magenta Shores in May, members were told “considerable thought and deliberation” went into the decision.

Mr Hurley said the redundancy formed part of a restructure “to achieve a broader plan to enhance our club’s offerings and ensure a sustainable future”.

“Information related to our employees is confidential to ensure the privacy and respect of our staff,” he added.

“We are committed to maintaining a professional environment, and we hope you can appreciate this necessary limitation.”

No detail about the restructure was provided, frustrating many members already angry about what they view as a lack of transparency from both the board and executive.

The Victorian Open will be held this week at 13th Beach Golf Links.

The club did not respond to questions about its decision to part ways with Mr Stewart, nor the restructure.

It was reported in September that a petition calling for the removal of chairman Grant Phelps had circulated among members.

That followed three members being suspended over a stunt that saw a man dress up like a woman to ask for the club’s cheaper deal for females.

Mr Hurley said at the time that staff members were treated with disrespect and filmed without consent.

That led to former AFL great and 13th Beach member David Schwarz teeing off at those in charge.

“There’s just been a lot of been a lot of mistakes (where) I think members haven’t been consulted,” he said.

“And when you try and make a point, it’s like the f--king Gestapo.”

Meanwhile, The Sands Resort in Torquay has launched a campaign to sell its 100 hotel rooms, with residents of the adjoining estate and golf members given priority.

Ranging from $270,000 to $750,000, the buyer would receive an annual yield of 5 per cent of the purchase price, plus 30 nights’ accommodation throughout the year – half of which must be taken during the low season.

Rooms at The Sands’ hotel (top left) are up for sale.

The golf club and hotel have been in receivership for more than a year after its ownership group, represented by Paul Fielding and Kerstin Grant, defaulted on a loan facility to Central Real Capital.

Sydney-based receivers Mackay Goodwin managed a sales process and said in July that “interested parties are going through their due diligence”.

No information has been forthcoming since.

In an email to members on the weekend, Mr Fielding and Ms Grant said: “We are super excited to finally be in a position to secure our future and continue to make The Sands a vibrant place we can all enjoy.”

Originally published as 13th Beach Golf Links axes executive as The Sands seeks hotel sale