Armidale Golf Club members Andrew Williams, left, Treasurer Hugh Fraser and Ryan Kelso with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, who announced another $196, 543 grant for the club today.
Monday, 4 May 2020
THE family-friendly atmosphere at Armidale Golf Club will soon be enhanced with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $196,543 State Government grant to continue refurbishing the clubhouse facilities and install an 18-hole mini-golf course.
Mr Marshall said the addition of a mini-golf (putt-putt) course would provide opportunities for the club to attract new families, developing an important third revenue stream.
“Over the last three years the board of the Armidale Golf Club has worked to modernise the facility, making it more attractive as a venue for community events and for patrons to have a meal,” Mr Marshall said.
“This grant will continue that refurbishment process with new internal wooden doors and windows to be installed, replacing the existing outdated aluminium fittings.
“While the new doors are being put in, the club is going to take the opportunity to bring its Pro-Shop inside the main building. Builders will create a partitioned office space where the club professional can operate from.
“To match the club’s impressive 18-hole golf course, 18-holes of mini-golf are going to be built on the grounds, creating an avenue to attract people who might not normally visit the club.”
Armidale Golf Club Treasurer Hugh Fraser said developing the various golfing experiences the facility offers will improve its long-term financial viability.
“Armidale Golf Club has undergone a significant transformation which we are proud of, with the refurbishment of our kitchen and dining room and construction of a new deck,” Mr Fraser said.
“Since the Stage 1 improvements were undertaken, we have seen a considerable increase in the number of birthday parties and events happening at the club.
“To ensure the building can handle this increase in patrons, we will replace the internal plumbing which is around 50 years old.
“We have great facilities, but as a club we need to do more to attract new players and members to enjoy them.
“I see installing a mini-golf course as a way of increasing the venues appeal to the wider community, with kids able to take the course while their parents finish a round of golf and then stay on and have a meal.
“It is my hope we have most of these works finished by Christmas 2020, so players can make the most of the extra day light to play a round of golf, either big or small.
“I want to again thank Adam for his support of our club and our efforts to try and secure its future.”