Petition seeks status quo at Balyang par three golf course

Members of a Geelong golf club are fighting back amid fears the “unique offering” currently available to them will be replaced with facilities that are already accessible in the region.

City Hall is looking to modernise the council-owned Balyang golf course in Newtown. In August, interested parties were encouraged to put forward “innovative solutions”. Source: Facebook.

Members of the Balyang par three golf course in Newtown are rallying to preserve its current format following City Hall’s call out for fresh ideas.

The move by Geelong council in early August, which could see the 18-hole course transformed into a multi-use golfing hub, has sparked concern among members.

They fear the “unique offering” that currently exists will be replaced with facilities already available in the region.

Potential changes could include the addition of a driving range, mini-golf course and other entertainment features.

A petition calling for the current short course format to be retained has so far garnered more 550 signatures.

Troy Freeman, a club member since 2017, is spearheading the campaign.

He is concerned that changes could diminish the experience for many.

“If they replace most of the course with a driving range and leave only nine holes, it would absolutely kill it,” he said.

“A lot of people come here because they can play a full 18 holes in just over two hours.

“If you cut it (the course) in half, that experience is gone.”

Situated close to the Barwon River and Balyang Sanctuary, the course’s format makes it accessible to players who cannot use traditional full-length courses due to age, disability or physical limitations, Mr Freeman said.

“You’ve got young kids, families, and people with disabilities who can’t play on regular courses,” he said.

“This is the only place they can go.”

City Hall is looking to modernise the Balyang Golf Course site in Newtown. Located on council-owned land, interested parties are being encourage to put forward “innovative solutions”. Source: City of Greater Geelong.

Fellow club member Dale Gibbon shared similar concerns.

He supports council’s intention of leasing the site, but only if it remained a par three course.

Mr Gibbon, who is 68 and has severe rheumatoid arthritis, said the course allowed him to stay active without over-exerting himself.

“I wouldn’t be able to do that on a full-length course or at a driving range,” he said.

“I am sure a lessee who is dedicated to making the course a success and incorporate ongoing improvements would make it profitable, while the Geelong community has a wonderful asset.”

A community engagement and feedback process concluded August 30.

City Hall adopted its golf facilities strategy in November 2022, which committed to third-party management of not only Balyang, but also Lara and Queens Park golf clubs.

Four other council-owned clubs – Barwon Valley, Ocean Grove, Clifton Springs and East Geelong – were already operated by tenant clubs.

The strategy aims to keep the council financially sustainable and ensure public access to golf courses remains.

Originally published as Petition seeks status quo at Balyang par three golf course