2023 BEACHSIDE GOLF 

COURSE AND SAFETY REVIEW

The redesigned Beachside Course has been open for play since January 2022.  Most of the planned works have been finalised and Turf conditions have improved nicely over the 18-month period. In addition, construction of the new on-course toilet facility and maintenance shed will commence as soon as the Construction Certificate is issued.

With respect to general course conditioning, the A1/A4 Bent greens have matured well however they are still playing quite firm.  We feel there is a need for larger or additional Teeing grounds.  The introduction of artificial turf areas on the Tees has certainly helped wear issues from traffic.  The bunkers are playing well with the exception of a few that have minor drainage issues to be repaired.

The golf rounds at Beachside have certainly increased since the renovation.  The following chart is the total golf rounds at Beachside for the last six months. Compared to the same six-month period in 2018/19.  These two periods were not affected by bushfires, covid restrictions or severe wet weather.

Overall, rounds played at Beachside have increased by 39% since the renovation.  It should be noted the 40% drop in competition rounds is because the club no longer administers the “Friday Chook Run”.

With respect to safety issues, the following review is provided:

  • Hole 1 – No longer an issue, moving the Tee to the south side of the road resolved the safety problems with the road through the hole.  One house diagonally to the left of the new Tee has reported one incident of a ball hitting their property.  Trees have now been planted to reduce the chance of this happening again.

  • Hole 2 – No issues but there is the possibility of a left-handed shank over the fence.

  • Hole 3 – Report from one resident on Golf Avenue stating golf balls are landing in the front yard.  Situation to be monitored.

  • Hole 4 – No issue.

  • Hole 5 – One incident of a person at the Tee being hit in the head from a ball from the 8th fairway causing a serious head injury.

  • Hole 6 – No longer an issue. Re-routing of the hole has worked well.

  • Hole 7 – No longer an issue. Moving the Tee away from the boundary has reduced the chances of balls going over the fence onto property.

  • Hole 8 – Unfortunately the trial to retain one par 4 at Beachside has been unsuccessful. There is still regular damage caused to cars and neighbouring property along Riversdale Avenue.  Roof tiles, car and house windows are broken.  In recent months we implemented the forward Tee as the only option for social players however this resulted in moving the damage further north up the street. Note one neighbour has collected in excess of 500 golf balls from their yard and roof since the new fence along Riversdale Avenue was installed in early 2022.

  • Hole 9 - No longer an issue. Moving the Tee to the north side of the road resolved the safety problems with the road through the hole.  

In summary, the Board of Directors and Golf Management Committee are pleased with the significant reduction in safety concerns around the new Beachside layout with the exception of the 8th hole. It is clear further works are required to resolve the unacceptable safety risk to neighbouring properties and people as well as players on the 5th tee.  

8th Hole Solution

Following a thorough review and careful consideration of all options, the Golf Management Committee (GMC), in consultation with the Golf Course Architect (Turnpoint) and Agronomy Consultant (TROON Golf) have advised the only meaningful solution is to shorten the fairway and create a permanent Par 3 hole. 

In the coming weeks, two new Tees will be constructed with 97 and 120m distances respectively. Planting and landscaping on the old 8th Tee and between the 8th and 5th holes will beautify and enhance the areas. In addition, the cart path network at Beachside will be finalised with the extension up the right-hand side.

The following plans provide detail of the new tees, fairway, green and surrounds. 

Feedback relating to the proposed changes to the 8th hole is welcome via management@mollymookgolf.com.au or at our Members Open Day sessions at Hilltop Clubhouse with the Golf Management Committee, Course Architect, and TROON Agronomist:

  • Tuesday 22 August, 5:00 - 7:00 pm

  • Wednesday 23 August, 9:30 - 11:30 am

Kind Regards,

Golf Management Committee