Magistrate orders feuding Sydney’s golfers to end decade of antipathy
TWO members of one of Sydney’s most exclusive golf clubs have played their way into the rough after a near decade-long simmering feud between the pair landed them in court.
NSW
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TWO members of one of Sydney’s most exclusive golf clubs have played their way into the rough after a near decade-long simmering feud between the pair landed them in court.
Michael Holliman and David Johnston are reported to have been at loggerheads for years, with their mutual antipathy apparently clear for all to see at the elite The Lakes Golf Club in Eastlakes.
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Two weeks ago their latest disagreement resulted in Mr Holliman being barred from drinking or playing at the club, which costs $33,000 to join if you are able to get through the difficult selection process and then more than $4000 annually in greens fees.
The Daily Telegraph understands this came after an alleged incident in July during which it is claimed threats were made and a chair thrown during a dispute between the duo in the clubhouse.
In Waverley Local Court yesterday Mr Holliman asked for the apprehended violence order (AVO) against him taken out by Mr Johnston to be lifted so he could get back on the course — which will host this year’s Australian Open.
This was granted, meaning Mr Holliman is now free to hack away on the fairway, but Magistrate Lisa Stapleton ordered the pair into immediate mediation.
“Mr Holliman denies the allegations and says that the applicant was the instigator of the incident,’’ his lawyer John Vizzone said yesterday.
He also said an attempt to have his client and Mr Johnston talk before the hearing yesterday was rejected by Mr Johnston.
“He wouldn’t talk to me,” he said.
The pair spent the morning speaking separately to a court-appointed mediator before returning in the afternoon to tell the magistrate they would attempt to resolve the matter at a face-to-face meeting on October 4.
But she kept a court date open for the following week in case the warring pair could not reach an understanding.