Murder probe after golf club owner found dead

Detectives have confirmed the death of a country club owner, whose body was found on the Fraser Coast, is now a murder investigation. Here’s why.

The death of a Hervey Bay golf club owner is being treated as suspicious, police have confirmed.

The body of Greg Harding was discovered at his home on the grounds of the Craignish Country Club near Hervey Bay about 8am Monday.

It’s now hoped papers seen scattered in the car park of the club, nearby tyre marks are dashcam footage could provide the clues police need to piece together what happened to Mr Harding in his final hours.

Greg Harding pictured when he was calling for upgrades to the road outside his club on the Fraser Coast.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Harbison wouldn’t be drawn on the potential cause of death or any injuries suffered, but said there was evidence of a “disturbance”.

“It’s clear that something has happened inside that residence,” he said.

“We are still investigating the circumstances of the incident, but we are treating the incident as suspicious.”

Early investigations suggest an altercation occurred between two people at the home between 10-11pm Sunday.

Detectives and forensic police from Brisbane are assisting local police.

Det Snr Sgt Harbison said the 64-year-old businessman, who was a prominent figure in Craignish, the small seaside community the club services, had been found by a local who went there for ‘routine’ business.

The man had been unable to locate Mr Harding at the club, which was out of character.

“He has then unfortunately found Mr Harding deceased inside his residence,” Det Snr Sgt Harbison said.

“A post mortem has not yet been conducted and no cause of death has been identified at this stage.

Det Harbison said Mr Harding had been the owner of the club for many years and was well respected in the quiet community.

He offered his condolences to his friends and family.

Police were interested in talking to anyone who may have CCTV facing onto the Pialba-Burrum Heads Road, or dashcam footage from that time, Det Snr Sgt Harbison said.

Anyone who had been in the area who may have seen or heard anything was also asked to come forward.

The hotel, on a busy corner of the Pialba-Burrum Heads Road, was cordoned off by police tape and a major command post set up as forensic officers clad in full body suits combed the area on Monday.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24 hours a day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

More to come.