President’s Report – Closing off the End of the Financial Year 2024/25

To the Members of Grafton District Golf Club

Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you well.

What a difference clear skies and warmer weather have made to our course. The ropes are down the boggy spots are disappearing, the greens are rolling nicely and the run is back on most fairways. Yeehah!

2025 has been a tumultuous year. We’ve faced exceptionally wet conditions, the cancellation of major events including our Pro-Am, and the rescheduling of numerous tournaments. It’s been a logistical challenge for the Green Staff, our Men’s, Ladies’, and Veterans’ Committees, who have worked tirelessly, often late into the evening, to ensure our Course can open and be safe for players so Monthly Medals and annual events can still go ahead. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of them for their unwavering commitment to the Club and its members.

Between March 8^th and the 24^th August, the course was closed for 101 out of 170 days—one of the most difficult stretches in the Club’s history. This resulted in a significant loss of potential revenue of approximately $160,000.

Despite these setbacks, we remain optimistic. As we look ahead to the 2025–26 year, I encourage all members to embrace the spirit of this re-cast farmers quote by Will Rogers:

“The golfer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn’t still be a golfer.”

Like farmers, we must believe that better days are ahead—and we do. The recent 5–7% increase in membership fees was a difficult but necessary decision made by the Board to help offset inflation and rising costs affecting all industries. We appreciate your understanding and continued membership here at Grafton District Golf Club. This is your Club, and we are doing our best to ensure our beautiful course is here for generations to enjoy for years to come.

With our golfer’s optimism, the Board and Club Manager have been actively reviewing the challenges of the past year and developing strategies to reduce the impact of similar disruptions in the future. We’ve been attending seminars, conducting site visits, and engaging with Golf NSW to explore a range of options aimed at minimising the risk of prolonged course closures during wet conditions.

Looking Ahead to 2025–26

On May 2nd, Captain David Morgan, Director Karl Studd, and I attended the Golf NSW Seminar at Coolangatta Tweed Heads. There we met Phil Beal, Golf NSW Agronomist and former Course Superintendent at The Australian Golf Club. Following our discussions, we were fortunate to secure a visit from Phil on August 24th where he toured the Course providing valuable insights and has subsequently presented a report to the Club with his observations and recommendations.

On July 3^rd Treasurer Bob Turns, Director Christine Stephenson and Club Manager Michael Kinahan attended a Clubs NSW seminar in Ballina. Whilst there Michael also arranged a visit to Ballina Golf Club to review their five-year strategy and operational plan. The insights gained from that visit are now helping shape our own five-year course and operational strategy.

The Board will now work closely with our Leadership Team—Daniel Edmunds, Michael Kinahan and Mark Harvison to incorporate Phil’s recommendations into a 2–5 year course strategy. This strategy will include key projects such as tree management, drainage improvements, and broader course development initiatives.

Phil made special mention of the greens staff and the excellent work they’ve done to ensure the course is recovering quickly, with minimal disease in the greens and tee boxes. As always, they work behind the scenes, and we all benefit from their dedication and professionalism. A massive thank you to the entire greens team.

To support the financing of this strategy we have also engaged a grants specialist to help make the Club more competitive in securing State and Federal Government funding opportunities. This will be a vital step in ensuring we can deliver key improvements without placing undue financial pressure on our members. We currently await the outcome of our most recent grant application in July for Stage 1 of the total replacement of our irrigation system.

Community Engagement

We are actively seeking new ways to engage with the broader community and strengthen our role as a welcoming and inclusive hub for sport, recreation, and social connection. Recently we hosted the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Charity Golf Day, they were so impressed with the course and facilities they will now incorporate it as an annual event. We are being approached by more charities to host golf days which are not only great for the club but for the community. If you’d like to know more about what’s happening, or have suggestions, please feel free to knock on the Club Manager’s door. Michael will be there to keep you up to date and listen to any ideas you may have.

Clubhouse, Restaurant, Bar & Gaming

Our investment in the Clubhouse is beginning to bear fruit. We are fast becoming a sought-after venue for corporate events, weddings, wakes, and celebrations. In July, we proudly hosted the Serco Black Tie Event (225 guests) and the Clarence Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards (200 guests).

A huge part of this success is thanks to Head Chef Tina, whose leadership in the kitchen has tripled restaurant revenue since her arrival. Supported by Holly Barrett, our Restaurant & Functions Supervisor, the feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive:

“It’s a pleasure dealing with the Golf Club—nothing is too much trouble, and the events run smoothly.”

Tina’s professionalism, integrity, and approachable nature make her an invaluable asset to the Club’s ongoing success.

In Closing

While 2025 has tested us in ways we never anticipated, it has also revealed the strength, resilience, and unity of our Club. The weather may have kept us off the Course more than we’d like, but it hasn’t dampened our spirit or our commitment to the future of Grafton District Golf Club.

We understand that the lack of playing days this year may be frustrating, but we urge all members not to let this temporary setback deter you from renewing your membership. The invoices will be sent out in the next week or so. Your continued support is vital—not just for the Club’s financial sustainability, but for the community we’ve built together. Golf is more than just a game; it’s about connection, camaraderie, and being part of something bigger than ourselves.

The Board, staff, and volunteers are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the 2025–26 season is one of growth, recovery, and opportunity. With expert guidance from Golf NSW, a renewed course strategy, and a thriving clubhouse, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger future.

We ask you to stand with us, as optimistic golfers, and look forward to the better days ahead. Your membership is an investment in the Club’s future—and in the joy of golf for generations to come.

Thank you for your continued support and belief in Grafton District Golf Club.

Warm regards,

Matt Dougherty

President

Grafton District Golf Club

05/09/2025