Today (15th of September, 2020), the grounds staff have begun removing some Gum trees (along the 10th), a couple of Cypress trees, and others. They will continue to remove more over time. This will create a great view of the bay from the Clubhouse! See the photos for current progress.
Detailed Background:
There were three clear objectives from a Committee point of view with these works:
1. The WAVE Project (Wetland and Vegetation Enhancement) for the Orange Bellied Parrot habitat located in and around the wetland on the right side of the 7th fairway. Over the next few weeks, you will see contractors, staff and volunteers undertaking revegetation enhancement of the wetland site, planting approximately 1500 local indigenous plants which meet our Environmental Management Plan (EMP 2019-2024) requirements. All plants were propagated by the local Swan Bay Environment Association (SBEA) nursery from seed collected from the wetland surrounds and paid for through a Corangamite CMA RAMSAR Grant.
2. Defence OFFSET Grant which has been provided by Defence Property to assist the club in meeting another of our EMP objectives. This is to create an Ecological Vegetation Community (EVC) biodiversity corridor between holes 7 and 8 using more of the same plants as the WAVE Project mentioned above. Planting of this area will be undertaken concurrently with the WAVE Project wetland site.
3. Provide substantial course improvements to holes 6 (opening up views by removing large old trees on the right-hand side), 7 and 8 located on the South/Western side of the course. To achieve this objective, we were fortunate to enlist the services of Ross Perrett from TP Golf Architects. Ross has guided Rod Fenton (Course Superintendent) and our contractors in achieving a great result by opening up the landscape and improving the natural views at this end of the course (both are strong features of golf on Swan Island) whilst most importantly, providing more challenging golf holes that will demand strategic golf shots from all players.
Whilst it will take some time for the new works to develop into the natural landscape, progressively the holes will become more challenging for the player. We are grateful to Ross Perrett for his assistance (provided pro bono to the QGC) and excited with the results of the course improvements. Removing the tree/weed burn site and increasing the size of the current wetland site has ticked a number of boxes for the Club:
• Effectively doubled the size of our wetland area
• Had local indigenous plant seed taken from the course and propagated through the SBEA Nursery allowing over 2500 plants to be planted as part of the RAMSAR and OFFSET Grants.
• With all the course earthworks completed, we are now working to grass the substantial uncovered areas (approximately 5000 square metres) of the course to complete the project. We will continue to work hard on improving the golfing experience for both members and visitors as we move forward.
The next stage will involve linking the mangroves to the wetland. Which will allow for natural flushing to occur on king tides.
Report by Kelvin.
This project has been expertly managed by Kelvin Pettigrove and Rod Fenton. The amount of time and effort that they have put in to ensure the best possible result is a testament to their passion for the Club. Our trusty band of volunteers have also contributed to the works by laying sods on some of the new mounds. The works have been completed in quick time, within the course expenditure budget and represent the biggest course development and improvement project undertaken for many years. Partially offset with Ross Perrett’s kindness, environmental grants and cooperation from Defence, this project is being delivered at a fraction of the cost which normally applies.
Whilst many factors fortuitously came together to create this favourable outcome, we especially applaud Kelvin Pettigrove. Without his vision and perseverance, the project would not have been possible or feasible. The revegetation, seeding and spring growth will energise the whole area and enhance the playing experience for everyone. Well done team!
We hope to see all our members and guests out enjoying the holes shortly.
If you have been on the course recently, you will have noticed the works on the South/West side of the course. The improvements to holes 7 & 8, especially mounds and revegetation, along with wetlands enhancement, represent the largest project undertaken on the course since the redevelopment of the 12th hole 20 years ago. Large tree removal has opened up panoramic views that hit you as soon as you come up the rise on the 6th fairway, making a statement that is confirmed in the walk up 7 and then back down 8.
In the corner of 6,7 and 8 is the wetland – extended with the removal of “the dumping area” – an environmentally sensitive zone now enhanced for generations to come. Beauty is only part of the story. QGC’s mission includes an obligation to preserve the natural environment within which our course lies. Hence the emphasis on the wetland enhancements and the natural vegetation replanting throughout the entire area. The improvements to 7 & 8 are significant and change the way those holes will be played.
The Club was honoured to attract the interest of renowned golf course designer Ross Perrett who provided his expertise on a pro-bono basis to imagine and then assist in the execution of the design along with our on-course team led by Rod Fenton (Superintendent & Life Member) and Kelvin Pettigrove (Committee). The next stage will see a moat created across the 7th fairway to connect the wetlands to seawater – a unique way to improve the sustainability of the zone.
When you visit and play our course, we want you to be part of a journey to nurture something perfect and natural. A unique island golfing experience.
We hope to see all our members and guests out enjoying the holes shortly.
Dear Members,
It has been brought to my attention that some players are not adhering to the mask rules while playing golf. If you do not abide by these rules, we may all lose the privilege of playing golf on Swan Island.
Masks are compulsory and must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking.
I understand that for many people, masks are uncomfortable (especially for those of us who wear glasses) but nonetheless, we have to use our common sense and be aware of the safety of others on the course. If you are unable to comply, please do not play.
Also, we thought that we may be able to run simple competitions on the understanding that our electronic system complies with existing directives. However, we have decided that there will be no competition play on Wednesdays and Saturdays while Stage 3 restrictions are in force.
Social golf is the order of the day and we recommend that Stableford rounds be played to keep groups moving. Social cards can be placed in the card box on the veranda or inside the clubhouse door for handicapping purposes.
With the ‘groups of two’ rule in place, it is essential that bookings are made online or by phone (5258 4344)
I hope that, while the restrictions are with us, you make the necessary sacrifices to enable Queenscliff Golf Club to remain open.
There are better times ahead. Keep connected and stay safe.
Good golf in difficult circumstances!
Tony Graham
President, on behalf of the QGC Committee.
Golf’s Island Home
In these extraordinary times, we are fortunate that the Queenscliff Golf Club is still able to remain open while complying with Stage 3 Covid-19 restrictions. The ongoing pandemic has created a great deal of stress and hardship for all businesses and families and we will continue to provide the best possible service to our members and visitors (see note below) within the limitations. We hope that you stay connected with the club during these difficult times and continue to enjoy playing golf on Swan Island. Over the past month, there has been a lot happening in and around the club and the committee appreciates the patience, flexibility and cooperation that members have displayed as we strive to enhance your experience at the club.
Covid-19 Restrictions
The following protocols have been put into place to comply with Government and Golf Australia directions.
WAVE Project including Course Improvements
If you have been on the course recently, you will have noticed the new works being undertaken on the South/Western side of the course.
There were three clear objectives from a Committee point of view with these works;
Whilst it will take some time for the new works to develop into the natural landscape, progressively, the holes will become more challenging for the player. We are grateful to Ross Perrett for his assistance (provided pro bono to the QGC) and excited with the results of the course improvements. Having removed our tree/weed burn site and more than doubled the current wetland site has ticked a number of boxes for the club going forward.
We have effectively doubled the size of our wetland area, we have had local indigenous plant seed taken from the course and propagated through the SBEA Nursery, we now have over 2500 plants ready to be planted as part of the RAMSAR and OFFSET Grants. With all the course earthworks completed, we are now working to grass the substantial uncovered areas (approximately 5000 square metres ) of the course to complete the project.
We will continue to work hard on improving the golfing experience for both members and guests as we move forward.
Kelvin Pettigrove
Greens and Course Environment
This project has been expertly managed by Kelvin Pettigrove and Rod Fenton and the amount of time and effort that they have put in to ensure the best possible result for the club is a testament to their passion for the club. Our trusty band of volunteers have also contributed to the works by laying sods on some of the new mounds. The works have been done in quick time, within the course expenditure budget and represent the biggest course development and improvement project undertaken for many years. The revegetation, seeding and spring growth will energise the whole area and enhance the playing experience for everyone. Well done team!
Annual General Meeting
Under current restrictions, we are unable to have a ‘normal’ AGM which we hold about this time of the year. We are in consultation with Golf Australia about the best way to manage the involvement of members in the process of reporting and elections – more later.
Survey
The club survey that will support the development of the QGC’s Strategic Plan will soon be distributed to members. The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete and your small contribution of time will be a great investment for the future.
Manager Position
As you are aware, John Fendyk will be relinquishing his position later this year. The position has been advertised and the details are available from the QGC Website.
Staff
It is great to see Rick Webb easing back to work with the Course team. Rick has had an extended period off work with an injury and his support and expertise has been greatly missed. (Just ask Rod and the team!) Welcome back!
Georgia Wekwerth is having a short break and we hope to see her back, fit and well, soon. The work that Georgia and Oisin do in the bar and office has been a great support to John Fendyk with club operations. These talented young adults give us great service in between their studies and work placements.
I hope that you and your families are coping well in these stressful, uncertain times. We are grateful that the golf club is able to provide an opportunity for some exercise and recreation albeit, with restrictions. Let’s enjoy it while we can.
Tony Graham – President, on behalf of the QGC committee
Email: qcliffgc@gmail.com Web: www.queenscliffgolfclub.com.au
Congratulations!
To members Gavan Welsh and Andrew Dalgleish for winning the 2020 TR + RT Warren Two Man Ambrose Event
With a winning score of 129
We are very excited to announce we are reopening the course from tomorrow (Wed 13th of May). Please ring the club to make a booking on (03) 5258 4344.
We will be allowing groups of four on the course. However, carts will be 1 per person unless the pair are family or living together.
We will still be enforcing a number of social distancing rules in order to comply with regulations and keep our members and staff safe.
We look forward to seeing you all soon!
With the closure of the course, our committee will continue to plan and implement a strategy for the course that will enable us to be successful into the future and ensure that we are in the best shape possible following lifting of the restrictions.
We apologise for not being able to provide golf to our members and the wider community, however we need to ensure we are complying with government regulations and taking a positive role in minimising the COVID-19 spread. We hope that our closure will not be extended past April 13, but it is a possibility and we are relying on advice from Golf Australia as well as the Victorian State Government.
It is important that everyone follows the new restrictions, as they will enable us and the community to resume to our usual activity sooner rather than later. This includes hygiene, social distancing and minimising unessential travels.
Our closure, enforced until at least April 13, means no access to the course and surrounds – this includes members. We will be continuing to maintain the course, keeping ground staff to a minimum while preserving the current condition of the course for when we reopen in the future.
See photos below for work being carried out on the course.
