Inside Gold Coast country club’s sad decline from ‘premier’ venue to ‘terrible’ state

A country club once considered among the best in the city is now in a terrible’ state of disrepair, leaving furious members demanding answers from management. SEE THE PHOTOS

A country club once considered among the best in the city is now in a “terrible” state of disrepair, leaving furious members demanding answers from management.

Current and former members of Arundel Hills Country Club have spoken to the Bulletin, claiming the venue has gone “rapidly downhill” due to a lack of maintenance.

Despite club management admitting they had been hit hard by the Covid pandemic and saying they were looking into the concerns, one affiliate of eight years said he tore up his membership several weeks ago after his complaints were ignored.

“They (management) don’t spend any money on the club at all,” the former member, who asked not to be named, said.

“It’s like the place is abandoned – it’s really weird.”

Complaints about the club from former and current members include:

■ Bunkers full of weeds

■ Broken drains throughout the course that are leaking water

■ Buggies not serviced or maintained

■ Broken toilets

■ No stock in the pro shop, including golf balls

■ Restaurant bar is frequently closed

■ Closure of the pool and gym

■ Broken perimeter fences

■ Mould issues

■ Lack of staffing to keep up with maintenance

Arundel Hills Golf Club has fallen into a state of disrepair. Picture: Tertius Pickard

The former member said the club’s golf buggies “don’t last the whole 18 holes” and a wheel once exploded while he was using one.

Concerns have also been raised about a rogue roo that continues to stalk golfers around the course.

Kangaroo warning signs have since been installed after a 69-year-old woman was attacked on the course last month.

A current member of the club said safety concerns went far beyond the wildlife.

“All of the perimeter fences are ruined. Kids could walk into the dams at any time,” the member, who asked not to be named, said.

“It’s got to the point where I go there and I’m immediately in a bad mood. When I used to go there, it was my happy place.”

In a statement, Arundel Hills Country Club (AHCC) said it took all complaints seriously and was looking into the issues raised.

“Like many other businesses in Queensland, our business was badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is still affecting our ability to procure new equipment and additional staff,” it said.

“We appreciate the ongoing support from our members, staff and the local community.”

Arundel Hills Golf Club has fallen into a state of disrepair. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Company Okachu, linked to a Japanese fashion house, built Arundel Hills after acquiring 175ha in 1988.

The course, covering 67ha, opened in 1992, along with an upmarket clubhouse with extensive function facilities and a recreation centre.

It was once known for having the “premier” golf course layout on the Gold Coast.

Chinese company Zhongsheng Management purchased the course, its clubhouse and development land in 2016.

At the time, the company said it had committed hundreds of thousands of dollars toward golf improvements and strategic plans were being drawn up for other work.

A current member said the place had gone “rapidly downhill” over the past couple of years.

“They (the owners) don’t seem to want to spend any money on it,” he said.

“They’re just running it into the ground.”

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Originally published as Inside Gold Coast country club’s sad decline from ‘premier’ venue to ‘terrible’ state