MUCH is happening at the Mount Isa Golf Club – evident when the journalist went to the local 18-hole course to cover one story but left with three.
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There is a new manager at the course, and evidence of the club house’s upgrades extending closer to the 18th green.
Members also sweated it out in a working bee for the third weekend in a row.
Last Sunday they looked to be tree lobbing and moving branches from near the 10th tee.
Mount Isa Golf Club treasurer Dan Horrobin said the renovations began on January 9.
It's a journey, that's the best way of putting it.
- Mount Isa Golf Club treasurer Dan Horrobin
“It’s been bit of a whirlwind,” he said.
“We have had a new ceiling painted, a refrigerated air-con.
“Our first main concern is keeping the club house cool.”
The committee wanted Mount Isa to use the club as a function centre, which had the advantage of being in a secluded area. It could also be used more as a sports bar to watch the footy.
Mr Horrobin said a deck was being built at the back of the club as a secluded area to sit down and watch the golf.
The cost of the renovations was above $150,000 due to some electrical issues not predicted in the initial quote, Mr Horrobin said.
Local contractors were being used to support the local economy.
In the past the Mount Isa Golf Club has struggled financially. The treasurer acknowledged the struggles.
“It’s a journey, that’s the best way of putting it,” Mr Horrobin said.
But membership had increased in the last month, there had been a change of structure in the running of the golf shop, and there had been 10 new carts for the club.
“Members are getting a lot more involved and taking ownership of the club,” he said.
“We have had 10 to 15 blokes in a working bee happening the last three weekends.”
The golf course also looked much greener due to rain, although one member remarked; “I don’t know about you but I’m not used to playing on it. I can’t putt.”
Mr Horrobin responded, “it’s a good problem to have.”
Club president Bob Jakeman praised the contribution of the members involved.
“Everyone is chipping in and giving a hand. It’s been pretty good.”
He said the air-conditioning was to improve the comfort of members, particularly those who needed to rest after sweating on the course.
“It was hot in here before,” Mr Jakeman said.
“It needed to be done to keep up with the times. It’s pretty comfortable like on days like today (Sunday).”
The golf club also has a new manager, although one who does not live on-site.
Margie McDonald began her role last Friday.
“I’ve been playing golf on and off the last couple of years,” she said.
“They were looking for a new manager and the opportunity came up, so I took it on board.
“I get to meet all of the members and it’s a good fun game for social players to have a bit of a hit around.”
