Helensvale Golf Club Gold Coast: First look at incredible new facilities
After a long time closed, a Gold Coast golf course finally reopened today to a big thumbs up from locals. See how the clubhouse has been completely transformed.
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Helensvale Golf Club has reopened its doors and residents say the new owners the Lawton trio have hit a hole in one.
More than 500 residents have signed with the club since owners Brett Lawton, 52, his son Christopher, 25, and daughter Danielle, 23 took over running the club.
The course closed in March last year after Jigsaw Community Services went into liquidation. The council had to maintain the 45ha site, which cost taxpayers more than $300,000. The Lawton family put their hand up to operate the club.
Lyn Dennis, who has been a club member for 20 years, said playing on the new course today was surreal. “The course and facilities are incredible, such an improvement” she said. “Old members are back, and new players were at the first Ambrose competition today.”
The area features a new clubhouse, luxurious member’s area and function rooms, the Black Duck restaurant, monthly $50 memberships, and user-friendly course.
GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS: $5 PER MONTH FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS
Co-owner Brett Lawton said the response was overwhelming and working alongside his kids had been memorable.
“It is now a modern day building,” he said. “The kids have helped with the technology side and the whole design process. We do not enjoy the greed of chasing money or gaming – we developed a business inspired by what we enjoy.”
Revamping golf courses is not a new game for the Lawtons. Wally Lawton, Brett’s father, revamped a horse stud into the Eatons Hill’s Hidden Valley golf course in 1986. Since then Brett has developed family friendly courses across Queensland, and still operates the Ipswich Sunny Gallop Golf Course.
Danielle Lawton said she loved golf, but traded her clubs for hospitality.
“It is pretty exciting and great to undertake this project and we look forward to putting our own stamp on the community,” she said.
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Division 2 Cr William Owen-Jones said the course was at the heart of Helensvale and it was thriving again.
“The city is thankful for the Lawton family throwing themselves at it,’ he said.
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