Lawyers have become involved in a dispute between billionaire developer Harry Triguboff’s daughter and one of Sydney’s most picturesque golf clubs over stray balls landing in her adjacent Bondi property.
Orna Triguboff purchased the block of units on Hastings Parade for $11.5 million in 2021 and has proceeded with a redevelopment that is under way, with scaffolding currently around the building.
The properties of Hastings Parade in North Bondi, just beyond the first and second holes of Bondi Golf Club.Credit: Louise Kennerley
Like other properties on the street, the complex backs on to Bondi Golf Club, a public course on Waverley Council-owned land in North Bondi, with views of the Pacific Ocean, Bondi Beach and Sydney CBD in the distance.
Triguboff’s property is just past the green of the second hole, and near the green of the first hole. It is protected only by temporary construction gates. Adjacent buildings are also protected by small, backyard timber fences only.
“I’m worried about the danger in my garden from golf balls,” Triguboff said. “At the moment, it’s dangerous. We’re both working toward a solution and negotiating.”
Triguboff denied she wanted to move the hole or shut it down until the problem was fixed, calling any such suggestion “bunk”. However, Waverley Council confirmed Triguboff brought legal counsel along to meetings about the matter.
Orna Triguboff said golf balls had been landing in the garden of her North Bondi property, and it was dangerous.Credit: Peter Braig
“We have met with the resident, her legal counsel and club management to discuss what can be done to help improve the situation,” a council spokesperson said. “We will continue to work with all concerned as we explore our options. Bondi Golf Club has operated for several decades.”
Asked why lawyers were involved, Triguboff said: “Why a lawyer? Why not?” She added: “I am not an expert on golf courses. I believe an expert is looking into the issues to advise on a solution so that safety is restored, and all parties are working towards this.”
The council said it was exploring fencing options for the site, and how much they would cost. In a statement, the golf club said no one had suggested closing down the hole. “Everything has been about finding a solution to fix the problem,” it said.
Waverley’s Labor mayor Paula Masselos said she was unfamiliar with the dispute. However, Liberal councillor Leon Goltsman, who previously lived on Hastings Parade for 40 years, said the golf ball issue was a “massive problem” on the street.
The property on Hastings Parade is being renovated.Credit: Kate Geraghty
“My house was backing on to the golf course. I’ve had smashed windows, I’ve had balls landing in my garden, we’ve been hit. I’ve seen balls hit cars,” Goltsman said.
Triguboff, eldest daughter of Meriton founder Harry Triguboff, is a meditation and yoga teacher, and founder of Neshama Life, a Sydney-based organisation running Kabbalah-inspired courses, events and retreats from Australia to Israel.
Harry, who turns 91 this year, has said Orna and her younger sister, Sharon, will inherit his Meriton development empire. “The daughters will own it and the others will run it,” he told The Australian newspaper in 2022.
Ben Buckler, the North Bondi headland between the golf course and the beach, is home to some of Sydney’s hottest property. Billionaire Afterpay co-founder Nick Molnar and wife Gabrielle recently knocked down a block of six units and an adjoining building to build a single residence designed by SJB architects.
Other names to have bought in over the years include Caledonia Investments founding chairman Michael Darling, the company’s joint chief investment officer Will Vicars, and nursing home boss Mark Moran.
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correction
An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Orna Triguboff was Harry Triguboff’s youngest daughter. She is the eldest.