The new Forster Tuncurry Golf Club facility and museum became a reality earlier this week with the official sod turning ceremony marking the start of construction on the multi-million dollar project.
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Local member, Stephen Bromhead, who was instrumental in securing State government funding for the $3M initiative, was tasked with the honours, accompanied by club president, Pat Burn along with local building company representatives, Geof Morgan and Mike Papadopoulous, Tilt Building.
An elated Pat Burn said the ceremony was the culmination of 15 months hard work to ensure the project proceeded.
Mr Burn said it won't be long before golfers and guests can sit on the front verandah, enjoy the facilities and watch the golf.
The new building, which will overlook the first tee, ninth and 18th greens, is scheduled for completion early next year.
Mr Burn said the new facility could attract both State and National golfing events, while the museum was expected to boost tourism for the Great Lakes and beyond.
The museum will be the only golf museum outside any metropolitan area in Australia.
Strathfield Golf Club is the only other golf museum in the country.
The project also includes more than $800,000 course improvements, designed by former Australia Golf Professional, Craig Parry.
The original course, designed by Australian golfers, Kel Nagle and Mike Cooper, recognised as a championship course, has been let down by the lack of facilities.
Tuncurry golfer and Australian professional, Sarah Kemp said the course was challenging and a true championship course.
Ms Kemp said she was looking forward to the new facilities.
The first of three major golfing events being hosted at the Tuncurry course, the 54-hole SRIXON NSW Mid Amateur Championship, is expected to go ahead in late October.
However, the NSW Women's Open, planned to also be held at the course in early 2021, would more than likely be rescheduled, Mr Burn said.
Since its inception in 2006, the open has become a one of the most prestigious events on the sporting calendar and is now an integral part of the ALPG summer tournament schedule.
It annually attracts hundreds of pro women golfers from throughout the country and overseas.
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