Local golfers see red as Ku-ring-gai Council proposes to hike green fees by 25 per cent

Golfers in Sydney’s north won’t feel the rub of the green if Ku-ring-gai Council goes ahead with proposed green fee hikes in an effort to curtail ongoing losses. See why they’re fed up.

Ku-ring-gai golf, 2023

GOLFERS on Sydney’s upper north shore have taken aim at Ku-ring-gai Council, claiming a proposal to up green fees by 25 per cent at its public courses makes no sense.

Pointing the finger at the rising cost of materials and utilities, council says the proposed increases for 2023-24 will still ensure the North Turramurra and Gordon courses continue to remain affordable compared to others nearby.

At North Turramurra, weekend green fees for 18 holes are set to jump from $42 to $52.50, while at Gordon users can expect an increase of $9.50 to $47.50.

Brendon Moo (R) at North Turramurra with fellow member Gary Coffey. Provided: Brendon Moo.

With the proposed changes, NewsLocal found Ku-ring-gai would rank among the most expensive across metropolitan Sydney. On the lower north shore, a weekend round at Castle Cove costs $44, while in the east, it’s $46 at Woollahra. Moore Park tops the list, where 18 holes at the plush inner city venue will set you back $65.

For Brendon Moo, a regular at North Turramurra for seven years, the changes are beyond belief.

“We all get there is inflation and cost pressure, and nobody suggests that fees shouldn’t go up,” said Moo.

“But for other facilities, council is proposing across the board increases of around 6.3 per cent. Yet they want to slug golfers 25 per cent, I mean wow, it’s just ridiculous.

“They've said that they’ve done research on other courses, well show us, because ours shows this is going to be one of Sydney’s most expensive public courses.”

For diehards like Moo, who play more than 100 rounds a year, the savage hikes far outweigh the cost of a post round schooner.

“Regulars like myself are looking at an extra $1000 a year,” he said. “For six-grand a year, I could join any number of private courses and play my golf with far better facilities.”

Golf pro James McDonald at North Turramurra golf course. AAP IMAGE/ Tim Pascoe

But for Moo, it’s the impact beyond the greens that upsets him most.

“What’s really sad, is the fact they are hurting the people that have built up the clubs. Our local pro James McDonald has done an amazing job to build a really good golf community as well as running the council courses,” Moo explained.

“There’s an ageing demographic here, and a 25 per cent increase could literally wipe many out.”

However, where there’s hope, there’s golf and Ku-ring-gai Council is open to feedback.

Until May 22, public submissions and comments can be lodged via the council website before a final decision is expected to be handed down in June.

Contacted for comment, a Ku-ring-gai Council spokesperson explained both courses currently operate at a loss.

“The proposal to increase fees by 25 per cent is to manage the costs of materials, maintenance and resources required for both courses,” said the spokesperson.

“These have increased significantly over the past 12 months. The expected combined loss on both courses for this year is $700,000.”