RED Cliffs Golf Club (RCGC) started work this week on $240,000 of course upgrades.
Heavy machinery started arriving on Wednesday morning as digging commenced on a new lake which will hold up to 30 megalitres of water.
The new lake just one initiative being undertaken by the RCGC, made possible by a Federal Government grant.
The club will also use the government funding for the diversion of drainage water, an upgrade to its irrigation system and the installation of solar panels as well as the construction of two new sheds which incorporate a pet enclosure.
Club president Michael Hogan said the upgrades would bring Red Cliffs Golf Club in line with some of the other top courses in the region.
“Water has always been an issue for us – last year the fairways were just dirt,” Hogan said.
“This new dam will allow us to water the fairways throughout the year, but it will also add to the visual aspect of the course.
“It (the dam) will come into play on at least three holes and just add another dimension to the course layout.”
RCGC, like other clubs across the state, has only recently re-opened after being forced to close because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The enforced layoff, while frustrating for members and green fee players, has allowed the course to recover, according to Hogan.
“The fairways are looking as good as I’ve seen them for a long time,” Hogan said.
“Having no one playing on them for a couple of months and with some good rain it has allowed them to recover from last year.”
Hogan said they had seen a big increase in the number of green fee players since re-opening, particularly during week days.
“We certainly have had a lot more people out playing golf during the week since we opened up again,” Hogan said.
“I think people are just wanting to get out after being forced to lock down for so long.
“It’s certainly been good for us and we have also had a few players from other clubs cross over and become members.”
Hogan is hoping the course improvements and a number of other initiatives will further boost membership.
“We have had an increase in our membership recently and hope the current works will increase it even more,” he said.
“We have a $40 a month membership deal going now which will finish on August 31 and there has been lots of interest in that.”
The RCGC is also looking to start coaching clinics once social distancing laws are relaxed further by the Victorian Government.
