Page 13: Dan Andrews joins Mornington Peninsula golf club with the help of a pal

Dan Andrews has found a way to get through the red tape and become a member at Moonah Links after anger erupted over his previous attempts to join several leading Victorian clubs.

Dan Andrews has finally found a golf club. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Dan Andrews has finally found a golf club but he’s had to do it by “sneaking in the back door”.

The former Victorian premier has been met with member anger on his previous attempts to join a number of leading clubs but has found a way to get through the red tape at Moonah Links.

It was reported last year that Andrews was considering applying to join the Portsea Golf Club — a move which sparked radio shock jock Steve Price to threaten to “tear up” his membership.

One week later it was reported members had sent a letter to the prestigious National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula calling for Andrews to be denied membership.

It it will be interesting to see what reception Dan Andrews, pictured here with Geoff Ogilvy, gets at Moonah Links. Picture: Andrew Batsch

The backlash against Andrews stems from the Covid-19 pandemic when he imposed strict restrictions on golf in Victoria.

It will be interesting to see how the members at Moonah Links take the news that the former Labor leader is now on the books thanks to some creative work by his richlister buddy Max Beck.

Page 13 understands that property baron Beck is a Foundation Member at Moonah Links and recently switched out his wife’s name on a membership, replacing her with Andrews.

It would have cost the ex-premier $3000 to get in and while sneaking in the back door may be frowned upon, apparently it can’t be changed.

Beck, who is also a Portsea GF member and owns a clifftop mansion at Sorrento, is a long-time friend and confidante of Andrews.

Max Beck hit out at members when his mate Dan’s application was denied at Portsea. Picture: Josh Robenstone

He hit out at members when his mate’s application was denied at Portsea.

“I can’t believe how small-minded people can be,” Beck previously told the Herald Sun.

“It’s just all about a bloke who wants to play golf and enjoy the rest of his life. It’s ridiculous. “He’s worked his guts out for the state with his beliefs.”

Given word has it that when Andrews appears on the driving range at his old haunt, Kingston Heath, the members walk off, it will be interesting to see what reception he gets at Moonah Links.

Watch this space.

Originally published as Page 13: Dan Andrews joins Mornington Peninsula golf club with the help of a pal