Drought, flood and COVID-19: Dalby Golf Club under serious pressure

The Dalby Golf Club has experienced a loss of revenue due to a string of disasters this year.

TRIAL DAY: Dalby golf club opened for its members this weekend under strict guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19

THE Dalby Golf Club is in dire straits after being hammered by the coronavirus pandemic and a series of natural disasters.

President Mick MacNellie said the club has trialled reopening the clubhouse and grounds to members to see how they’ll cope with the restrictions.

“We have got disaster management in our business planning,” he said.

The club will open to the public this weekend and resume games while adhering to social distancing measures.

MacNellie said food options will also be available for members.

“We’ve got a limited menu,” he said.

“We’ve got sandwiches there now and we’re going to look at getting some pizzas in.”

Bookings are essential.

COVID-19 hasn’t been the only hit the club has taken, however.

“Everyone’s forgotten about the drought followed by the flood than the disease that followed it,” Mr MacNellie said.

“Our fairway has all died.

“Nothing’s growing again.

“It’s been expense after expense and then no income.

“We’re really hoping that by the end of July we’re in full swing again.”

The club has been forced to take drastic measures to keep themselves afloat.

“We have to downsize so we can turn some motors off to try and save power.”

Takeaway food has not been an option for the clubhouse as many patrons wish to eat their food at the club.

“Our venue is licenced and that includes the course itself.

“If we sold it as takeaway and they’d have to take it away.

“We’re going to have the clubhouse open for a restricted menu so that people could come into the clubhouse and they may have a beverage with that.”

The Golf Club relies on membership fees and sponsorships to operate but due to the floods, drought and pandemic their numbers have dropped.

“We’re trying to source as much funding as possible that’s out there,” he said.

“The other thing that members don’t realise is that a lot of our membership fee is given to the golf association.

“There’s a misconception out there about all that.”

If you are interested in becoming a member or sponsoring the Dalby Golf Club, feel free to give Mick a call on 0427951661.

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