Golfers fear one of two much-loved golf courses could lose holes after a review
One of Melbourne’s most popular 18-hole courses could be carved up for a driving range, mini-golf or “virtual golf lounge”. But the council plan to “evolve and diversify the sport” has many teed off.
Outer East
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Golfers fear one of two popular golf courses in the eastern suburbs could be carved up to be used for other entertainment.
Maroondah Council’s strategic golf review — open to public consultation until Sunday — has teed up a proposal of reducing either Ringwood or Dorset golf courses from 18 holes to 12.
The sacrificed holes would then be used for another attraction, such as a mini-golf course, driving range, a virtual golf lounge or a short-format.
Maroondah Leader first reported on the review in March, compiled by golf consultancy firm WellPlayed.
In an email to Maroondah Leader, Ringwood East golfer Alan Nelsen said he was concerned a business case had not been prepared for any of the ideas before public consultation.
Mr Nelsen said the Ringwood Golf Course was one of the busiest in Victoria with statistics published in the review showing annual profits of between $123,000 and $261,000 from 2010-11 to 2018-19.
“Usually, a first step in any feasibility study is to prepare a business case which gives an indication of the financial viability,” he wrote.
“However, despite this not being done the council has put out its proposal for public comment.
“The council does not even say which course it proposes to carve up.”
The consultant suggested plans to “evolve and diversify” the sport by cutting up part of Dorset or Ringwood golf courses for new attractions.
But Mayor Mike Symon said he was in favour of the courses remaining as they were.
“I am certainly of the view that if it’s a golf course, it stays for golf,” he said.
“But that’s my personal view and it depends on the review.”
The council did not respond by deadline to questions about whether business cases had been prepared or which course was more likely to be affected.
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On the consultation page, it states the proposal explores “a reduction in golf holes and the provision of facilities and sportsfields to meet the growing demand for soccer and/or other sports”.
Maroondah is one of five short-listed locations around Melbourne for a high performance centre for Australia’s national women’s team, the Matildas.