$20m clubhouse and accommodation opens

THE $20 million Curlewis Clubhouse and Accommodation facility has officially flung open its doors for visitors.

The Sharp Group co-owner and director of marketing, sales and hospitality Lyndsay Sharp said planning for the project at the Curlewis Golf Course began four years ago, and given the past two years of COVID disruption and heartbreak, she and husband David (also co-owner and director) were both elated and relieved it had finally come to fruition.

“We had always said ‘over my dead body’ to the thought of accommodation but over recent years, it’s become increasingly obvious to David and I that it was a no-brainer.

“There’s a desperate need for accommodation in the region and it was a logical progression for Curlewis.

“It also made sense from a destination golf club perspective. We hope the accommodation facility will play a small role in helping to attract visitors to the region and then keeping them here to see, do, explore and experience all our magical little region has to offer.”

The facility sleeps up to 126, including 60 eco-suites.

“From the very beginning, we knew what we wanted the accommodation to be – to be embrasive of, and immersive within the surrounding landscape, not invasive and imposing,” Mrs Sharp said.

“The rooms are designed to be welcoming, contemporary and comfortable – luxe but not pretentious.”

The Clubhouse entry concourse features a Warhol Wall showcasing six limited-edition signed prints by 1960s pop artist Andy Warhol.

“Best thing about the Warhol Wall is that it’s the antithesis of golf – a not-so-subtle reminder that Curlewis is not your ordinary golf club,” Mrs Sharp said.

Ivor’s Spike Bar (named after Curlewis member Ivor Chappell) is for casual gatherings, while Claribeaux is the signature restaurant and larger function facility.

There is also what Mrs Sharp describes as a “next level” pro shop.

“The brief to golf shop design specialists Transform Golf Specialists was simply ‘not your old pudding golf club’. They got it and the result is a pro shop like no other in Australia – contemporary in look, feel and offerings,” she said.

“There’s still a bit of finessing and fine-tuning to be done but that’s the fun bit; the overall operation has quickly found its rhythm and the vibe is wonderfully positive.”