By Noel Towell
Readers of Melbourne’s US-owned tabloid were told this week that members of the Portsea Golf Club – which is not “exclusive” and we want to be perfectly clear about that – had revolted against a potential membership application from former premier Daniel Andrews.
The whole thing caused quite a fuss in local golfing circles, but it turns out that the club itself was, well, a little nonplussed at finding itself in the spotlight.
Former Premier Dan Andrews has not applied to join the Portsea Golf Club, it turns out.Credit: Justin McManus JZM
So club president Phil Cramer got on the front foot on Wednesday with a bulletin to members clearing a few things up.
“We wish to clarify that, contrary to these reports, no formal membership proposal for Mr Andrews has been received by the Club,” Cramer wrote.
“The Portsea Golf Club prides itself on inclusivity and diversity of membership, and in fact has a reputation of being a very welcoming club for all to enjoy playing golf and fellowship.”
Portsea, which lives a little bit in the shadow of its posh neighbour, Sorrento Golf Club – which is definitely exclusive – has no waiting list and even ne’er-do-wells like your CBD crew could afford a social membership, at $112 a year, at the time of writing.
The place is “inclusive” after all.
But we’d be unlikely to bump into the former premier on the fairways.
The golf tragic has a membership at the St Andrews Beach Club – of course he does! – which is exclusive, and has been known to swing a club at Kingston Heath too.
But if we do hear about him trying to get in anywhere else, we’ll be sure to let you know.
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