Date: April 17, 2019
Author: Golf NSW

Victory for Warringah in course battle

Warringah Golf Club is celebrating following a unanimous decision by the Northern Beaches Council to offer the club a new 20-year lease over their golf course lands.

The decision will see the course retain its 18-hole layout for members, visitors and corporate golf events.

Warringah Golf Club president Scott Campbell said the decision was a victory for the community and that the decision would provide the club with long-term surety after years of uncertainty.

“This is a win for the northern beaches community, and for golfers of all ages and abilities," Mr Campbell said.

"It has been a long and exhaustive process, but the club can now move forward to an exciting new future.

"We would particularly like to thank our members, northern beaches residents the Council and councillors who voiced their strong objection to plans to reduce the course to nine holes."

More than 65,000 rounds of golf are played annually at Warringah, offering residents a healthy and inclusive sport and recreational activity in the Northern Beaches.

The decision also allows locals to maintain meaningful social and community networks which could otherwise have been lost.

Mr Campbell said the club would, over time, invest in major works and equipment once the new lease is signed.

“We have been in limbo for almost four years since the District Park Plan of Management was adopted by the former Warringah Council, then placed on hold by the former council administrator.

“We will roll out and continue to solely fund a major works program for the course, and purchase new equipment once the new lease has been signed with council,” he said.

Mr Campbell said the club would maintain an open dialogue with council regarding the construction of a new sports and community building and the possible relocation of its clubhouse within District Park.

Mr Campbell said club memberships would continue to be available, saying Warringah was the most affordable of the 18-hole facilities on the northern beaches.

"We now hope we can rebuild our membership following the protracted uncertainty we have experienced," Mr Campbell said.