Highton golf course returns for public use

QUEENS Park Golf Club has reopened to the public in just over a week after a swift agreement with a new lessee for its pro shop facilities.

New operator Clublinks started its tenure on Tuesday (June 6) after the City of Greater Geelong had announced it as the successful bidder of an expressions of interest process the previous Friday.

The city had sought a new owner last week after the club’s resident pro left the role, leaving the club temporarily closed to the public while a new operator stepped in.

The club had remained available to members and its café/restaurant had stayed open.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said this week he was pleased the city had found a speedy resolution to return the course to public use.

“I congratulate Clublinks for their successful tender and thank everyone involved in making Queens Park Golf Course available to the public once again, in such a short period of time,” Cr Sullivan said.

“While the course has been accessible to club members throughout the past week, I know that some members of the public have been concerned about just how quickly they would be able to return to this outstanding course.

“Clublinks has a proven track record of golf course management and I think it is an organisation that will ensure the return to normal public access is a relatively seamless process.”

Under the current management model, Clublinks will take over pro shop responsibilities including collecting fees, providing tee stewards, membership and merchandise sales.

COGG will maintain the course and run its restaurant and café, while Queens Park Golf Club will continue club competitions.

The city plans to step away from management of the course in coming months and transfer roles to private businesses.