Queanbeyan Golf Course will undergo an impressive transformation in time for the 2019 NSW Women’s Open thanks to $1.2 million in NSW Government funding.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres at the popular golf course today to make the announcement.
Ms Berejiklian said the funding would go towards modernising public facilities and improving spectator viewing areas, taking the facility from a well-loved community asset to a state-of-the-art regional sports venue.
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“Last year the NSW Government secured the 2019 NSW Women’s Open for Queanbeyan, so it gives me great pleasure to announce a second win for Queanbeyan today,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This funding will ensure the golf course is in pristine condition when it is showcased internationally to the world’s top female golfer teeing it up for the 2019 Women’s NSW Open here in Queanbeyan.”
Mr Barilaro said the upgrade, one of more than 250 projects already approved as part of the $200 million round two of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, was a significant win for Queanbeyan.
“The NSW Women’s Open is a major win for Queanbeyan, and these funds will ensure a top facility that will be enjoyed at the event next year, but also by the community for years to come,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The NSW Government is committed to making regional NSW a more attractive place to work, live, raise a family, and enjoy community events like sports.
Mr Ayres said the NSW Government’s record spend on regional sporting infrastructure is increasing participation in sport and boosting visitation.
“From grants for local sporting clubs to building major facilities across NSW, we are investing in the right infrastructure to attract world-class sporting events and help our communities get active,” Mr Ayres said.
CEO of Golf NSW, Mr Stuart Fraser thanked the State Government for it’s commitment to the Women’s NSW Open and Queanbeyan Golf Club.
“The NSW Government are great supporters of Golf in NSW, and we are appreciative of this support.”
“The injection of funds will ensure next year’s Women’s NSW Open showcases the sport and will deliver the community of Queanbeyan a golfing facility they can be proud of.”
“It’s a great day for the Queanbeyan community, a great day for Queanbeyan Golf Club, and a great day golf in NSW, in particular women’s golf.” Mr Fraser said.
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President of Queanbeyan Golf Club Adrian Coles welcomed the news and thanked the NSW Government for the funding which will take the club to the next level.
“This news couldn’t come at a better time – we were thrilled to secure the Open last year, and this funding is just the icing on the cake.”
Mr Coles said the funds would go to some much-needed upgrades to the clubhouse and course.
“We’ll be reconfiguring for a better community feel, a more welcoming facility for the community to enjoy.
“There will be new change rooms for women and an upgraded change room for the men.
“We’ll be improving the look of the course, the cart paths, tees and green and improve the bunkers.” Mr Coles said.
Work is expected to begin within the month, and Mr Coles said by the time the Women’s Open arrives he expects the facility to be in pristine condition.
“Come the Women’s NSW Open; I think the place will be exceptional.
“Some work is already underway on the course. The big work will kick into gear within days,” he added.
The membership, many of who turned up for today’s announcement are also looking forward to the club’s chance to shine on the world stage.
“They are cock-a-hoop. They have been so excited all year.
“Getting to today has been an exercise in patience. They are so proud of their club and looking forward to putting it on show.
“This is the start of our future really,” Mr Coles smiled.