Exciting times ahead as sandbelt club secures three-year deal to operate Sandringham Golf Links
THINGS are starting to happen in a big way at Royal Melbourne as the club gears itself for the President’s Cup next year. The club’ chief executive, Paul Rak, has told members in his regular news update to them that the club has obtained a lease from the council to operate the Sandringham Golf Links for three years from July 1 this year.
Insiders say this could be a first step into Royal Melbourne eventually buying the land on which its original clubhouse stood in the 1930’s. When the President’s Cup was played at Royal Melbourne in 1998, officials used the Sandringham public course for practice facilities and car parking.
But now Golfer Pacific believes a much grander plan is behind the latest acquisition – to build an international golf mecca with up to three top 18-hole layouts and five-star accommodation. Such a radical plan would insure the club remained financially vibrant. But to date Rak is keeping it simple: “The Royal Melbourne Golf Club has been successful in obtaining a lease to operate and manage Sandringham Golf Links subject to Bayside City Council conducting a statutory exhibition process in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989,” he said.
“Some important details include a three-year lease term which Bayside City Council (but not Royal Melbourne Golf Club) can elect to terminate at either of the first or second anniversaries; and a commencement date of July 1, 2010.”
On the issue of ownership and management, Rak said Royal Melbourne Golf Club will create a separate entity with its own dedicated staff to manage and maintain Sandringham Golf Links and reporting to The Royal Melbourne Golf Club’s chief executive officer. He said the lease is to provide the current range of golf services and added Royal Melbourne “looks forward to working closely with John Smith (current lessee) during the transition process that will occur between now and July 1.”
Rak listed the following reasons why RM’s Club Council has considered the proposal to lease, operate and manage the Sandringham Golf Links and now wants to go ahead with it.
“To work with Bayside City Council to ensure that the ‘greenbelt’ to the north of RMGC is retained. We, as a club, are committed to maintaining this unique and attractive landscape which includes Sandringham Golf Links and Victoria Golf Club.
“The club has expertise in managing a golf course, and as neighbours, allows for synergistic benefits and provides a revenue source. Sandringham Golf Links will be maintained as a public-access golf course under the existing conditions.
“The club would have greater certainty of access to Sandringham Golf Links during tournaments. The club would like the opportunity to work closely with the Bayside City Council regarding the longer term future of Sandringham Golf Links.”
In another big development at Royal Melbourne, its captain – Brian McPhail – will retire at the annual general meeting on June 26.
Council’s nomination for captain to be voted on at the June 2010 AGM will be high profile member, Richard Allen.
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