Golf club upgrades a hit at grand opening

PREMIER Daniel Andrews was the guest of honour as Curlewis Golf Club formally opened its new $20-million redevelopment that makes it one of Victoria’s go-to golfing destinations.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, Golf Australia chief James Sutherland and Geelong region business leaders were also in the crowd to celebrate the new clubhouse and accommodation site, which welcomed its first guests in March.

The 60-room, 126-bed accommodation complex aims to elevate the northern Bellarine club alongside heavy-hitting competitors like RACV Torquay and Thirteenth Beach as play-and-stay destinations, while also providing much-needed space for the tourism hotspot.

Bellarine hospitality firm Sharp Group, spearheaded by Lyndsay and David Sharp, took over the golf club in 2015 as it teetered on the brink of financial collapse.

Alongside an $8 million driving range and ongoing course improvements, Mrs Sharp said the finished product marked the culmination of several years’ worth of development.

“We are over the moon with excitement. We are very relieved that it’s finally opened,” she said.

“It’s been a rollercoaster, but we held steadfast with our belief in this golf club and the region as an amazing lifestyle and tourist destination.

“From the minute we took over we started implementing improvements in the clubhouse and we’ve been committed to ongoing course improvements and innovations.

“The improvement has been tangible for all to see.”

Mr Andrews toured facilities last week on a visit to the region and was impressed with a “beautiful design outcome”.

“Places like this are great for the economy and great for communities when they’re done to such a high standard,” he said.

Ms Neville applauded the Sharps for their investment in the region.

“It is through investment in projects like the transformation of the Curlewis Golf Club that we will see our tourism numbers continue to grow and with it important local job opportunities,” she said.