Members of prestigious National Golf Club join fairways revolt against former premier Daniel Andrews

Members of one of Victoria’s most prestigious golf clubs have joined the fairways revolt against former premier Daniel Andrews. See the details of the letter sent to the club’s committee.

Members of the prestigious National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula have joined the fairways revolt against former premier Daniel Andrews.

In a letter sent to the club’s committee in recent days seen by the Herald Sun, a National member claims more than 100 fellow golfers have “expressed a clear stance against … Daniel Andrews’ potential membership” at the Cape Schanck golfing mecca.

“I seek assurances for myself and fellow members that should Daniel Andrews express interest in joining the National Golf Club that his application would undergo the standard membership approval process,” the letter says.

“This includes the crucial step … which specifies that the candidate’s name be posted on the notice board for a 21-day period upon receipt of the membership application.

“It is imperative that any potential member, including Mr Andrews, aligns with the fundamental values of our golf club – demonstrating good character, sociability, and a genuine interest in meeting and befriending fellow members.

Daniel Andrews is a keen golfer. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

“Regrettably, it is noted that Mr Andrews lacks these qualities, and his inability to recall scores for each hole due to poor memory further underscores concerns about his compatibility with our club.”

The member has also inquired about whether the Andrews matter will be an agenda item at the club’s annual general meeting on Sunday.

The controversial former premier has been a guest at the National Golf Club in the company of property baron and confidante Max Beck since his resignation in September.

Members were up in arms when Mr Andrews was permitted to play a round on Grand Final morning with Mr Beck at a time National guests are not usually allowed to hit the greens.

Controversy is also raging at the nearby Portsea Golf Club where Mr Beck has floated the prospect of Mr Andrews joining the club.

One BMW-driving member of the National owns the number plate “FUDA” – an acronym for “F*** You Dan Andrews” – and has posted videos on social media smashing drivers into Bass Strait with an image of Mr Andrews’ face printed on the ball.

Mr Andrews is deeply unpopular among some locals, particularly due to his bans on Victoria’s golfing community during the pandemic and his decision as premier to include the Mornington Peninsula in metropolitan restrictions, which were often tougher than those in regional Victoria.

But he also has strong support from other members of the Portsea Golf Club who have threatened to quit the club if the former premier is “scared off” making a formal application by “the vocal minority”.

One member is known to hit these balls into the Ocean.

A member of the National Golf Club sports the ‘FUDA’ number plates.

In an email to PGC members this week, president Phil Cramer said the club would consider an application for Mr Andrews to join on its merits.

“We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate the current situation and continue to uphold the values that make Portsea Golf Club so enjoyable,” Mr Cramer said.

Richlister Mr Beck has hit out at the anti-Andrews camp, accusing fellow golfers of being “small-minded” and slamming their resistance as “ridiculous”.

Portsea GC member Steve Price this week threatened to “tear up” his membership if Mr Andrews was successful in joining the club.

“This is the premier who stopped us playing golf for two years during Covid,” Price said.

“This is the premier who locked down this community even though we’re 120km out of the city.

“The same premier who let people on the other side of the bay play golf. No way should that man come into the golf club.”