A refurbishment of Armidale Golf Club chips the organisation out of the financial rough with member Andrew Williams, left, President Phil Williams, Treasurer Hugh Fraser, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, General Manager Rhyce Porter and members Ryan Kelso and Dylan Perryman.
Friday, 28 May 2021
ARMIDALE Golf Club has chipped its way out of the financial rough by using a $196,543 State Government Stronger Country Communities grant to finalise the refurbishment of its clubhouse and install a state-of-the-art indoor training simulator.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall this week opened the improved facilities by having a swing on the digital driving range.
“In 2017, the State Government provided $409,000 for Armidale Golf Club to start its internal clubhouse refurbishment, and since then its membership has increased from 330 to around 550,” Mr Marshall said.
“This grant has finalised that refurbishment by replacing old windows and doors to match the style of the updated function room.
“An internal room has been built to create a pro shop inside the clubhouse, and this has successfully helped in generating greater foot traffic in the club.
“The digital driving range is the hole-in-one for this project, facilitating exciting training opportunities for new players.
“With the club hosting free junior clinics every Friday Armidale’s junior golf ranks are growing.
“The training facility will promote proper learning of the game in all-weather conditions for all groups, new and old. It will also generate revenue for the pro shop, with players able to trial clubs on the simulator before they make purchase.
“I applaud the Armidale Golf Club board for the way it has diversified its operations to encourage membership growth and increase its appeal as an events venue.”
Armidale Golf Club President Phil Williams said the facility would enhance the opportunities for those interested in the game to participate no matter the weather or time of day.
“Golf in Australia is booming after the change in lifestyles forced by the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mr Williams said.
“Armidale Golf Club is certainly seeing that trend with significant increase in our membership levels and golf participation over the last 12 months.
“We are also experiencing junior interest in the game increase to levels not seen since the mid 1990s, which we are thrilled about.
“As a board and management team we are focused on capitalising on this growth and ensuring we provide opportunities for everyone to participate in the game.
“This will also assist in securing the financial viability of the club.
“Our sincerest thanks go to Adam for his continued support of Armidale Golf Club.”