Golf Industry Central Winter 2017 | Page 13

Industry news NUDGEE GC TO UPGRADE GOLF COURSE FOLLOWING LAND RESUMPTION N UDGEE Golf Club has emerged from one of the darkest periods in its 87- year history to put the building blocks in place for a new era of prosperity. Two-and-a-half years after losing four of its 36 holes when the Federal Government resumed 8.84 hectares for the Gateway Motorway upgrade, the club is ready to return to its former glory after unveiling a new Master Plan in March. With funding assistance from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the club is hopeful of beginning construction on the new 36-hole layout by the end of the year. The project, which is still being finalised by architects and engineers, will have a two-year build time and will use 8-9 hectares already on the course but not in use. With the plan receiving an “overwhelmingly positive” response from the club’s 1200-strong membership base, president Paul Rigby said the future was bright. “I think it’s going to be a great facility for the northside of Brisbane. There’s a great opportunity for us now and we’ve engaged a course designer who’s built some of the top 50 courses in Australia,” he said. “(The resumption) had a huge impact upon our club. “As soon as the Main Roads fence went up … that was a very tough time for our golf club.” Golf Industry Central I Winter 2017 13