Castle Hill Country Club is moving into the third year of its strategic plan.  Our vision to “become a premier and progressive golf club delivering exceptional golf and hospitality experiences to members and guests” is at the forefront of our decision making and we feel we have made great progress towards this vision.

Clubhouse Facilities Upgrade
The Club has been working with architects Bergstrom on a Clubhouse Master Plan. After several iterations of concept designs, we have narrowed down to a more cost-effective approach compared to the original high-cost concept. This will be implemented as a staged concept plan. We are currently working with F&B consultants, Cini•Little, to design the foodservice operational layout for back-of-house areas and event / dining spaces. Concept plans are expected to be completed by the end of August, with Development Application submission planned for late October 2025.

Course Maintenance Facility
A major component of course improvement involves rebuilding the Course Maintenance Facility (CMF), as the current facility is not fit for purpose. The new location has been identified behind the 16th green and left of the 14th fairway. The project has progressed through the concept stage, but requires a new Development Application due to changes in orientation and design from previously approved plans. Preparation work including site clearing and reshaping is scheduled for mid-August, creating a flattened pad ready for surveying and subsequent construction once DA approval is received.

Financial Strategy
The sale of Lot 15 represents a significant financial strategy to fund ongoing projects while retaining Corpus. Following a robust Expressions of Interest (EOI) campaign, the Club has identified a buyer and we are anticipating a sale price of around $6 million. There are three easements requiring removal, of which all have been assessed by our solicitors.  In their opinion, there are no foreseeable reason why the LRS should deny extinguishing these easements.

Food and Beverage Improvements
Implementation of recommendations from RT Hospitality and the F&B Committee are slowly being worked through, and we are beginning to enjoy an improvement in member experience and patronage.  The Club has introduced new menus and fresher products while making structural changes to the department in order to enhance service delivery to members. These changes aim to deliver better dining experiences and to meet member expectations.

Additional Facility Enhancements
Driving Range & Lighting
The driving range lighting project was completed on 11th July, with current operating hours extending to 7.30pm. This enhancement allows members to take evening lessons or practice after work hours. The Club will review these operating hours and may extend them further based on member usage and feedback. Over the next few months, the team will also be re-levelling and re-turfing the grass teeing area in front of the mats for aesthetics and use during the Webex Players Series, as well as other enhancements to the range area.

2nd Hole Works
Links Construction have been engaged to remove the old winding path at the 2nd hole and build a new designed path, designed by Harrison Golf.  This project is likely to be completed by mid-August (weather pending).  In addition, Links Construction will reshape the approach to the 2nd hole, extend the 2nd tee at the rear, realign the pathway at the 1st and 3rd holes, and improve the drainage in this area.

Membership Renewals
Membership subscriptions are almost to budget as we close in on 31st July 2025.  The end of the month those unfinancial members will be resigned.  There are currently 125 playing members who are yet to respond and notify the Club of their intentions to resign or renew. 

Honour Boards
The Club is working with Unique Signage on designs and a quote for new honour boards.  These will be compatible with the proposed clubhouse refurbishments. We are seeking to have a proposal at the September board meeting for review.

75th Anniversary Celebration
Castle Hill Country Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. A ‘Week of Golf’ celebratory events are planned for 13th – 19th October, including a Gala Dinner. Members are encouraged to participate in these celebrations, recognising the significant transformation the Club has undergone over its 75-year history and the exciting and positive future which lies ahead.

The Club understands that many of these larger projects take time to execute. Unfortunately, navigating our way through the bureaucracy and regulations, exercising a high level of due diligence in our decision-making and implementation, and the dependence of external agencies, all extend to the length of the process.  What we are confident in is that the process will deliver the Club the best outcome and future for all.

Lastly, we would like to take this last opportunity to thank the members for their ongoing support as we continue our journey to becoming the premier and progressive golf club delivering exceptional golf and hospitality experiences to members and guests. 

Yours truly,    

Charles Behrens & Steve Kemp
Joint Chairpersons
Strategic Planning Committee.

 

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