Dear Members,
We are now well into 2024/2025.
The new Mandurah Country Club Board have met for a second time and have two new Directors – Alan Shakespeare (Director of Finance) and Barry Price (Director of Facilities). All of the Directors have their Sub Committees in place and have identified their key Objectives for the Year. Some of these are summarised below.
Some of the key projects for this year are:
The Course:
We are now well into 2024/2025.
The new Mandurah Country Club Board have met for a second time and have two new Directors – Alan Shakespeare (Director of Finance) and Barry Price (Director of Facilities). All of the Directors have their Sub Committees in place and have identified their key Objectives for the Year. Some of these are summarised below.
Some of the key projects for this year are:
The Course:
- Irrigation Upgrade – our current system continues to be operable however, it is nearing its lifespan. The Board have endorsed the commitment to undertake this project in 2026, with a project cost of $2,000,000 plus contingency of 10%. The Club has built cash reserves for this, which is an outstanding outcome of the membership to be able to build these reserves, in addition to all other capital and operating expenditure that has taken place. The Board will be required to ratify this firstly, and an SGM will be called shortly, for the membership to pass this spend. This is integral to the long term sustainability and improvement of the course, so we look forward to your support.
- Master Plan works have been approved this year to the green complexes on holes 1 and 5. The changing weather patterns saw significant drainage issues on hole 1, whilst on hole 5 the lack of available pin placements and increase traffic puts intense wear on the usable areas of this green, this needs to be rectified. Plans are being activated for these changes, and we will update members as soon as they are confirmed to outline both the changes, and any disruptions to play.
Facilities:
- Car Park extension – this is a constant topic of discussion around the club and the need to upgrade is obvious. However it is not just an easy “dig and fill” project. There are several steps that we need to go through, e.g. rezoning, neighbour consultation. We will commence detailed drawings and costing as the first stage. When plans are completed, we will update members on our way forward, which also needs financial consideration with the Irrigation Project, as both of these have significant funding requirements.
Strategic Planning:
- The current Strategic Plan Is nearly four years old and will be updated to reflect what has been achieved and to create our vision and key strategies for the next five years. We will be seeking your input to the process and content. The expectation is that it will be completed before the AGM in early December.
Membership:
- The Membership Committee did an excellent job in 2023/24 to review member playing access, with changes to some of the minor categories taking place. This continues into 2024/25, as we need to review our Full Ordinary Membership, back to the course capacities and how this is managed. This continues to be a considerable project, and if any significant changes are required, this will involve member consultation and approval processes.
Finance:
- Although the Club remains in a strong financial position and with the completion of the Balcony Project, we look to the next projects. These include Master Plan works for the Course and Clubhouse surrounds as well as the operating infrastructure upgrades. The 10 year projections has the club requiring investment of near $9m, which is a considerable funding requirements. The Finance Committee will be working with Sub Committees, to plan all future projects to a level of more accurate costings, and then plan our path of funding these projects for the coming years.
Although strategies are being put in place to reduce the new member intake, we welcome all new members to the club and hope you enjoy your golfing, as well as their social interactions and activities.
Friday nights are extremely popular and it is great to see so many people enjoying the social activities as the club, in addition to our very strong member golf program.
The Board and staff look forward to your continued support. Enjoy your golf and the great club we are part of.
Ron Stone, President
