Welcome to the Cairns Golf Club

The February 1994 meeting discussed green fees for social players with the following fees being implemented:

• Locals 9 holes from $10.00 to $12.00 18 holes $15.00 to $18.00
• Non-Locals 9 holes from $12.00 to $15.00 18 holes $20.00 to $25.00

The Course Superintendent submitted a total greens budget for 1994 of $350,000.00. It comprised an overall budget of $156,000.00, wages of $165-170,00.00 and other costs making a total of $350,000.00. He claimed that in 1993 expenditure had been $260,000.00.

The Green’s Director advised that ‘All Sporters’ had purchased a new course Scarifier at a cost of $3,000.00, and that $700.00 had been spent on the purchase of a second-hand vehicle.

The President raised the question of a Club Logo, advising that the Club had no official logo and uses one designed by the professional.

In the early months of 1994, a joint proposal between the Club and the Cairns Jockey Club was entered into to, in the construction of a three-hole course on vacant land at the Jockey Club. Some preliminary work was performed but the May meeting was told that the project was essentially dead, and no further mention appears.

Another venture to terminate during 1994 was the agreement existing between the Golf Club and a supplier regarding the supply of score cards. Prior to this agreement, the Club arranged the printing and sponsorship of its own scorecards. This agreement, which came into force in the early months of 1994, provided for the supplier to supply all scorecards at no cost to the club. In return the supplier was permitted to print paid advertisements on the cards, receiving all benefits from same. The quality of the cards was inferior to those originally used by the Club and the agreement was terminated at the May 1994 meeting.

The July 1994 meeting approved the removal and reduction of poker machines, from 20 to 12 and their removal to an area outside the office. There was a suggestion that at least one machine should be retained in close proximity to the bar, the suggestion was never followed. The changeover was completed after the City of Cairns Golf Tournament.

The Secretary suggested that the club appoint a permanent bar position to accept the responsibility for its performance, working on the main trading days (Wednesday to Sunday). At the time the bar staff were employed on a part time basis.

The Captain recommended that given the club’s financial position, it should wait for a turnaround in profitability before proceeding with further course works. The meeting agreed that the course program could only be done in stages. Added to this was the fact that proceedings had been held over for two years already, with significant costs increasing as time passed.

The question of the provision of a fence on the old 3rd and 4th fairways was discussed at many meetings over the years. It would circle the 4th green and proceed back to the tree line on the 4th fairway. The fence was installed, however vandals smashed panels in the fence but on each occasion, they were replaced, and the fence strengthened. Several committees have made plans for the fence to be extended to the 3rd tee, but nothing eventuated.

The September meeting received a request for the poker machines to be returned to their original position near the bar, and the poker machines were returned to their original location.

The President, advised of discussions he had with officers of the Mulgrave Shire Council regarding alternate access to the club. The Council suggested that access should be off Kate Street (gravel only), entering the course at the rear of the machinery shed. The suggested road later constructed several years later, but in the interim a dirt road was provided by club staff. The club road follows Q.R.X. boundary fence and joins a bitumen strip outside that depot. The road was on Q.R.X. property, and no objection was lodged by Q.R.X. for the club to provide the road on a short-term basis. In 2002, the Main Roads Department finally constructed an access road running almost parallel with the club construction.

A question on the installation of sewerage to the clubhouse was again raised at the Annual Meeting with the President advising that the proposed connection to Q.R.X. would not eventuate. It had been anticipated that the sewerage link to Q.R.X. would be extended to the clubhouse.

It was queried the proposal for an alternate access road in addition to the Bruce Highway entrance. The President replied that the Main Roads Department had advised that the Bruce Highway access was to be a “left in–left out” arrangement, and discussions were still being held with the Mulgrave Shire Council to provide an alternative road through the adjourning Portsmith industrial area.

Fees for 1995 was discussed by the Annual Meeting with the President, R. Campbell, advising that an additional $3.00 per player had been levied by the F.N.Q.G.A., to cover these costs the Committee had recommended that fees be increased by $5.00 per member for all categories, except the joint husband and wife category which increased by $10.00.

• Nom. Fee Subs. Nom. Fee Subs.
• Members $250.00 $385.00 Associates $125.00 $315.00
• C/Members $ 30.00 $115.00 C/Assocs, $ 30.00 $ 95.00
• Intermediate Members - Intermediate Associates -
• 18 Years $120.00 $205.00 18 Years $ 60.00 $160.00
• 19 Years $150.00 $205.00 19 Years $ 70.00 $160.00
• 20 Years $180.00 $205.00 20 Years $ 80.00 $160.00
• Student Jnr. Members $ 5.00 $ 50.00 Student Jnr. Ass. $ 5.00 $ 50.00
• Working Juniors – Members Working Juniors – Associates -
• Work Junior Age 15 $ 30.00 $ 65.00 Work Junior 15 $ 30.00 $ 65.00
• Work Junior Age 16 $ 60.00 $125.00 Work Junior 16 $ 40.00 $ 85.00
• Work Junior Age 17 $ 90.00 $185.00 Work Junior 17 $ 50.00 $105.00
• Temporary Members $ 60.00 Month Non Playing Members —— $ 5.00
• Joint Husband /Wife $350.00 $660.00

It raised the question of ‘de facto’ relationships and moved. “that the articles of association (item 28) be interpreted to accept defacto relationships as husband and wife.” When put to the vote it was defeated by 25 to 24.

During general business the committee raised social green fees for 1995 to -

• Locals $20.00
• Non Locals $30.00
• Reciprocal $10.00 in the F. N. Q. area.

The Match Committee report advised that a “no show” book had been introduced, for use in the fight against repeated member failure to attend for booked time slots. It advised that all offending members would be sent letters, with second offenders being threatened with suspensions. In his report to the March 1995 meeting, Paterson advised that of the 56 ‘no show’ letters sent out 54 had replied.

At the February 1995 meeting a report on damage being done to the course using motorised carts (both private and for hire). He added that the course was not designed for the use of buggies submitting the following recommendations under a heading of “banning the use of motorised carts.”-

1. The Club issue all members currently using buggies with a 2-year permit to continue to do so. This would include the club professional whose permit would cover the number of hire carts now in use.
2. All permits were issued on the basis that they are not reissued, except on production of a medical certificate, which stated that the cart owner was medically unfit to walk the course.
3. New permits were not to be issued to the professional at the end of the 2-year period.
4. All new permits issued would be on the production of a medical certificate.
5. Issue of permits and control of the carts to be under the control of the Greens Committee.

An addendum to the above titled “continued use of motorised carts.”

1. Ross Watson be asked to add cart paths to the course layout.
2. An immediate freeze on the number of hire and private carts.
3. A fund instigated to provide for cart paths at some time in the future.
4. The user pays principal be applied. i.e. no club funds used for the purpose.
5. A levy be applied each time a cart is hired out and a levy be applied to members carts based on one use per week. The money to be used on cart path construction.
6. Post and chains be used to delineate “no-go areas,” and as a trial measure, broken oil lines be painted 10 metres from greens and greenside bunkers to indicate such areas, Hoops used between bunkers and greens.
7. All hire carts to have signs written in both Japanese and English affixed in a prominent position, outlining the rules for cart use.

The submission was not introduced— it is interesting that in the later months of 1998 when club hire carts were introduced, similar unwritten steps were taken. A $5.00 levy per cart hire was place on hire buggies and a $2.00 once a week levy on privately owned buggies. Signs and hoops were placed in green side locations to prevent buggies driving too close and later blue lines were painted around greens.
Recommendations were made to increases to the following products -

• Soft drinks to rise from $1.00 to $1.15
• Tonic water, tomato juice to rise from .90c to $1.50
• Sports drinks to rise – sports plus $1.50 to $2.00, powerade $1.50 to $2.40, ISO sports $1.30 to $2.60. They recommended that draught beer, packaged beer over the bar and spirit prices should remain unaltered.

A report from the greens meeting stated that during March 517mm of rain had fallen on the course with 648mm being recorded for the month of February.

The Greens sub-committee meeting held in April 1995 was advised that the old 7th green and fairway would be completed in time for the National Bank Classic. It also heard that, for safety and costs reasons, plans to use the lower spillway as an access route between the old 7th green and the 8th tee had been abandoned. Instead, a bridge was erected immediately below the spillway.

The June meeting discussed the replacement of tee signs necessary, due to course redesign and rating and was told that a quote of $9,000.00 for signs had been received. Sales of tee sign advertising at $300.00 per hole by 30th June 1995 and the Match Committee proceed with purchase and installation of signs.

During 1995, most greens were dying and staff could not supply a suitable answer. The state of the greens was such that during one major championship, the worst affected green (9) was covered with sand and the sand painted green. The reasons for the die back were revealed— the greens were accidentally poisoned. Due to the above problems the Club Championships were deferred until the 4th, 5th, 11th and 12th November 1995 and that the Schweppes Classic be brought forward to the 22nd and 23rd July and that the Gordon Eyres Memorial Match Play finalists be decided from this competition.

Competition fees be $5.00 per player, with $2.00 being used for trophies and the remaining $3.00 to go into the general fund.

It was addressed the meeting in support of defacto relationships having the same rights as married couples, and it was moved successfully, “those defacto relationships be allowed the same fee structure as married members.”

The second meeting in December discussed a written report from an agronomist, on the condition of the club’s greens following an inspection held on 18th December 1995. In the report he stated that the old greens No. 1, 2, 9, 10 and 18 showed symptoms of fungus infection with greens No. 3, 4, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17 being in a worse condition. In his summation he had this to say: problems have been years in the making. To reduce the problems, reduce overcrowding and compaction by coring on a regular basis, raise the pH of the soils to 5.5 or 6; attend to poor drainage; maintain a clear oxygenated water supply; use slow release in organic fertilizers; remove any shade forming trees; keep records; keep ground staff informed; experiment with new strains of grass and when everything is in place use a root growth promoter.

The Executive Meeting in December 1995 received advice from the electricity commission that power lines passing through the course were to be rerouted. Further advice tabled at the June 1996 Meeting stated that instead of an existing easement of 2 hectares, the new line would be constructed in 6 hectares of undeveloped mangroves, to the southern side of the old No. 14 fairway. The construction called for access, via specially built roads, to two areas near the course, where tower bases were to be built. The work commenced in September 1996. The access roads were built on the course and in return Powerlink paid compensation for any inconvenience caused. The roads would later be dismantled by golf club staff.

The committee were asked to approve a major raffle, within the meaning of the legislation, of a golf cart to the value of $7,000.00 to $9,000.00. The motion was carried but the raffle never eventuated. It was also asked that the committee approve provision of a hire pool table for installation in the dining area for a trial period
The subject was raised of the club purchasing/leasing electric golf carts for hire. This matter was fully investigated and would provide considerable income for the club at a minimal outlay. However, a storage/recharging area was required.

It was suggested that to give the course character, all 18 holes should be named. A report was later submitted to the committee containing suggested names but was never followed through.

The manager presented a report on the club’s purchase of motorised buggies at the 1996 July meeting, when he recommended that electric carts should be purchased in lieu of petrol driven machines.

In his final recommendations to the meeting the manager suggested that the following be observed –

1. The formulation of a private cart policy detailing guidelines for approvals.
2. 15 carts be purchased from club car at the price recommended.
3. Golf carts to be hired at $25.00 per round.
4. The carts to be maintained and controlled from the professional’s shop, with the professional being offered 20% of the hire price as payment for the work.
5. Payment of “trail” and “storage” fees.
6. Elimination of any hire carts by outside individuals.
7. The construction of a shed to house the carts.
8. An amount set aside from the hire fees for the future construction of cart paths.
9. All members be advised of the committees’ reasons for the provision of the carts, with the private cart Policy to include a ‘phasing in’ period.

The introduction of the hire carts was set for 1st November 1996, with the removal carts leased by the professional set at the 31st October 1996. Members must seek approval to use their private carts on the Cairns Golf Course and in future, other than initial foundation owners approved, only electric golf carts will be considered for approval after the 1st August 1996.”

The meeting set these guidelines –

1. Private cart owners are prohibited from renting or hiring their carts to members or visitors.
2. Non-members bringing private carts to the club will be required to pay a fee equivalent to the hire of the existing public buggies, or a fee to be set.
3. The club will provide charging facilities for approved private members carts at a fee.
4. The board of directors approves a maximum of 30 private golf carts.
5. Preference to approval of private golf carts is for those with physical disabilities or infirmities.
6. Electric tricycles are to be treated in the same way as privately-owned carts.

The fleet of 16 buggies was enlarged to 20 in 1999 when a further 4 machines were purchased. The construction of the cart shed allowed for extra parking and several private electric carts were granted parking approval at a rent of $100.00 per annum, including electricity to charge the carts.
Over the years effluent water obtained from the nearby sewerage plant, was the centre of many discussions regarding its purity, quality, and effect on grasses growing on greens and course. In 1995 the use of effluent water was terminated as it was thought to be the cause of green damage.

In his report to the September 1996 committee meeting. the captain sought approval to introduce the following match conditions -

1. In lieu of trophies for daily presentations, the club introduce a system of club vouchers, which would be drawn on selected business houses. Purchased trophies would still be used for major events and on selected days. The suggestion was accepted.
2. It was recommended an increase to Saturday competitions fees from $3.00 to $4.00, with the additional $1.00 automatically being used for the ball pool. This would eliminate selling tickets, with all competitors participating. The application was approved.

The matter of motorised golf carts was raised successfully, “that the board of directors approve that an application of a $10.00 fee be charged to all F.N.Q. affiliated golfers who utilise private carts at the Cairns Golf Club.”

• Nom Fee Subs. Fee Nom Fee Subs. Fee
• Members $250.00 $445.00 Associates $125.00 $360.00
• C/Members $ 30.00 $130.00 C/Assocs. $ 30.00 $110.00
• Members Working Junior fees - Associates Working Junior fees-
• Age 15 $ 30.00 $ 80.00 Age 15 $ 30.00 $ 80.00
• Age 16 $ 40.00 100.00 Age 16 $ 40.00 $100.00
• Age 17 $ 50.00 $120.00 Age 17 $ 50.00 $120.00
• Intermediate Members - Intermediate Associates -
• Age 18 $120.00 $235.00 Age 18 $ 60.00 $190.00
• Age 19 $150.00 $235.00 Age 19 $ 70.00 $190.00
• Age 20 $180.00 $235.00 Age 20 $ 80.00 $190.00
• Students $ 5.00 $ 55.00 Students $ 5.00 $ 55.00
• Non Playing Members and Associates ——— $ 5.00
• Temporary Members and Associates ——— $ 65.00 Husband and Wife $350.00 $760.00
• Locker fees (Per Annum) ——— $ 20.00
• Golf cart storage ( Per Annum) ——— $ 75.00

The Meetings of the committee, until the latter half of the year 1984, dealt with routine matters, except the February 1984 Meeting at which the Main Roads Department advised that they were formulating plans for the construction of a bypass road, which may require the annexing of Golf Club land. The matter would drag on. It would not be until 1997 that positive action was taken, and discussions were again entered. At the same meeting a successful motion was moved, “that green fees for social players be increased from $4.50 to $5.00.”

A tree planting program was introduced in April 1984, 50 trees were planted and a further 30 trees were ordered for future planting. Trees were planted to the front of the present Second (11th) and sixth greens (15th) and included the group of fiddlewoods now growing on the right of the Second (11th) fairway.

The price of beer rose in August and members were advised of the rise, adding that a 7 oz beer would cost .70c and a 10 0z beer .90c. A matter of importance eventuated to take up the matter of the supply of sewerage effluent with the council, and to conduct a feasibility study for its use on the course.

Several meetings held in 1984 discussed the purchase of the adjoining land referred to as “Donaghys Paddock,” The Club in 1964 held an option on the purchase of this land, at a cost of £2,750.00 ($5,500.00), but considered the price too high. In September 1984 the land was evaluated at $250,000.00.
At that price the club was not interested, and no doubt rued the opportunity missed in 1964. The September meeting approved the purchase of a tractor at a cost of $21,000.00 but refused a request for the purchase of an office safe.

The March meeting discussed a report on the proposed alteration and renovation of the Clubhouse. The report estimated that the cost to carry out the alterations would be in the vicinity of $9,000.00. Renovations included the following—

1. New bar and cold room to be sited where the notice and handicap boards are located, the area will also service the patio area (the present bar location)
2. Relocation of the male toilet of bar to where existing office is.
3. New office relocated to existing main entry
4. New main entry where bar was located
5. New ceiling linings with new floor carpets
6. New quarry tiles in main entry and bar area. Kitchen to remain where is.

Reference to a re development of the course was made at the June 1985 meeting with a motion “that Mr. Ross Watson be approached to come to Cairns, and advise on the greens and course, at an approximate cost of $1,000.00.” Watson visited Cairns during the early months of 1986, after which plans were formulated for the redevelopment of the course.

Entrance Fees –

• Members $125.00 Associates $70.00
• Subscriptions –
   - Members $175.00 Associates $130.00
   - Working Juniors Members $95.00 (18-21) $125.00
   - Working Juniors Assocs. $65.00 (18-210 $90.00
   - Student Juniors - $20.00
   - Non-Playing Members/Assocs. $30.00
• The Bar Prices 7 oz beer .77c
   - 10 oz beer $1.00
   - Stubbies $1.60

The commencement and finalization of clubhouse renovations were completed, with two more renovations to the clubhouse being completed before the turn of the century. The first alterations, mentioned above, resulted in the bar, cold room and storeroom being shifted to their present locations. The office was enlarged, but a manager’s office was not added until the third series of alterations, work was also performed to the patio area.

The second series of alterations were undertaken in the early 1990’s, resulting in the building of the strong room, tiling of the bar area, the shifting of honour boards and the replacement of the full-length sliding glass doors leading to the patio area, with the half glass, half concrete wall which is at present in situ.
The third and final renovations were performed and involved the building of the Porta Cochere at the entrance to the clubhouse, floor tiling, the construction of the manager’s office and the reversing of the two front entrances into the clubhouse. The continual swapping of the main entrance became a standing joke with members, as originally, the main entrance into the clubhouse was situated near the bar, with a smaller entrance into the foyer area. The entrances were swapped on at least three occasions, before the turn of the century.

Graeme Bell would resign as Professional of the club at the April 1986 meeting, with his place as professional taken by Half Moon Bay Professional Brett Wilson, whose appointment was confirmed in July 1986.

At the December 23 1985 committee meeting it was moved a successful motion “That the committee proceed to commission Mr. R. Watson to complete a design plan for the course as soon as possible.” Ross Watson was a principle in the golf course designing firm of Marsh, Watson and Company.
Due to lack of finance, the committee of the Cairns Club decided that it was necessary for the reconstruction of the course to be undertaken in stages and over a 10-year period. The actual date of the commencement of the reconstruction of the course was hard to ascertain, but it is reasonable to assume that work commenced in the second half of 1986, possibly October. This was desirable, as work on the re-construction was completed in stages, over the years. To enable golf to be played, it was necessary for the course to be re-arranged, nines reversed, and holes renumbered.
At 2007 with the Main Roads’ possible reclamation of the front of the club premises for highway construction, thoughts of a relocation of several holes and the clubhouse are in the minds of the committee. Though it is estimated that the new road will not start before 2015 plans are being prepared. The club has known of the intentions of the Main Roads since 1985. Construction of buggy concrete paths were completed in 2004-5 making the course fully equipped for wet weather play.

The reason for the construction of the dam on number 11 (2nd) hole - in the later half of 1968, the club experienced a severe water shortage. August to November were exceptionally dry and the club was in danger of losing its green. The construction of a dam in the wetlands area in the scrub to the left of the then 4th (13th) fairway was suggested to augment water supplies on the course. Other dams and catchment areas used were located to the left-hand side of the 13th fairway (4th), as well as a small dam sited behind the halfway house.
The construction of the new dam on the 11th (2nd)– After three months of very dry weather it was anticipated that the sinking of the dam would be easy, and the project was commended. In December 1968 after reaching two thirds of the required depth, water was struck, and work stopped. To complete the work a swamp dozer was hired. Experts predicted that the dozer “could walk on water” but when it became bogged too, the committee decided it was time to pull up stumps — the dam was never deepened.

A question on children roaming the course, searching for golf balls, during competitions, was discussed at the AGM, the practice was dangerous, the following motion was carried, “that the boys be permitted to be on the course, under the control of the club pro to collect balls but must be identified by an armband and that all balls be sold to the club professional only.” A further amendment added the following to the motion “by the wearing of a bright coloured t-shirt.”
The first female elected as a full member of the club, was approved by the January 1986 meeting, on a motion of Messrs. Campbell and Hayles, “Mrs. F Duff be admitted as a Full Member.”

During the meeting, the house chairman advised of a rise in the price of alcohol, which were – 5oz beer .58c, 7oz beer .80c 10oz beer $1.03c, stubbies $1.62, half nips of spirits .69c and 74.c with full nips being $1.17 and $1.30.

Subscription fees set for 1987 were -
Members $185.00 Associates $140.00
C/Members $ 70.00 C/Associates $ 50.00
Juniors (15-18) $100.00 Juniors (18-21) $135.00
Assoc. Juniors $ 70.00 Assoc. Juniors (18-21) $100.00
Student Junior $ 22.00 Non Playing $ 32.00

The January meeting discussed the standard of dress in the clubhouse and on the course, after which it was moved, “that the dress standards be altered to allow long sports socks to be worn on the course and in the clubhouse.” The motion passed. This was a first, as it allowed the wearing of quarter length ‘sports sox.’ The acceptance would be challenged at many annual meetings but would remain in force until the present time. Social play fees were set “that social green fees be increased from $6.00 to $7.00 from 1st April 1987.”

Timesheets were discussed at the February 1987 meeting with complaints about members writing their names on the sheets and then not showing up. After some discussion it was moved, “that any person who has entered his name on a time sheet and does not show up and has not called half an hour prior to the appointed time, will be written to, and asked to explain the reason for the ‘no show’. A ‘no show’ register be kept, and should a name appear twice on the register, the person be excluded from entering his name on a time sheet for a period of two weeks. Operative date of the motion to be Saturday 7th March 1987. The office to advise the captain or vice-captain of all ‘no show persons.” The meeting also resolved that no person may enter more than four names on a time sheet.

The first mention of fairway distance markings occurred at the 1987 March committee meeting, and it advised that blue stakes were placed on the sides of fairways indicating 150 metres from greens. Markings were further fine-tuned in 1995 when it was added a further mark at 100 metres. Although 100 metre markings were frowned on by the Q.G.U. No action was taken, and the markings remain, although colours have changed and a 200-marker placed on par 5’s.

The May 1987 meeting discussed the construction of “a motorised buggy storage area” with owners being charged rental. It was moved, “that owners of course golf carts be charged a rental for the privilege of being allowed to park them under the caretaker’s residence, such rental to be at the rate of $50.00 per annum for private carts, and $100.00 per annum for carts which were available for hire.” An amendment was then moved “that amounts in the motion be altered to read $50.00 and 75.00 respectively” A further amendment was then put “that the amounts in the motion be altered to read $75.00 and $200.00 respectively.” At the meeting of the committee held in January 1988 it was moved and carried “that fees for storage on the club’s premises be $100.00 and $75 for non-members and members respectively. Non-members referred to in this Motion are those who were the lessees of the hire carts.
Note – prior to 1997 the club did not have golf carts for hire, these being available from a consortium, including the professional — they were housed and serviced by the professional. Privately owned carts were parked under or near the caretaker’s residence.

A decision of great importance was made at the committee meeting held in June 1987 when the meeting resolved to relax the standard of dress in the clubhouse. Thongs were not allowed, but members could wear respectable footwear without the wearing of socks.

Bar prices were discussed at the September Meeting with increases as follows - 7 oz heavy beer .95c, 7oz light beer .90c, 10oz heavy beer $1.15c, 10oz, light beer $1.12c, and stubbies $1.80 each with a six-pack costing $7.50. However, the meeting held the following month reduced the price of stubbies to $1.70 each and a six pack to $6.60.

The October meeting of the committee agreed to the elevation of Miss Margot Allen to Life Membership. Annual subscription fees for 1988 were discussed at the November 1987 meeting it was moved. “that it be a recommendation to the annual meeting that fees for 1988 be increased and that there be included in the new fee, an allowance to cover the cost of a trophy (trophy levy) and further, that fees paid before March 1st be discounted, with fees paid in half yearly installments be premiered.” The motion was carried.

The Schedule of fees proposed were -

• Members $215.00 Associates $155.00
• C/Members $80.00 C/Associates $55.00
• Juniors (15-18) $110.00 Juniors (18-21) $145.00
• Jnr. Assoc. (15-18) $75.00 Jnr. Assoc. (18-21) $110.00
• Student Juniors $25.00 Non-Playing $35.00
• Nomination fees - Members $150.00 Associates $85.00

Brett Wilson Club Professional 1986

Mrs Fay Duff 1st Female Full Member

Course before 1986

Proposed Construction

A discussion on the progress of the new fairway mowing contract was discussed at the first meeting held in December 1979. The Green’s Director advised that Green’s staff now consisted of three, in addition to the mowing contractor, adding, that due to a lack of mowing the contractor, was assisting with other duties.

The contract was again discussed at the February 1980 special meeting when the question of continuation of the contract was put to the meeting. Messrs. Tenders were to be called to the Cairns Post for the mowing of fairways and roughs by contract for a six (6) month period commencing 1st March 1980, with the contract being reviewed at the end of July 1980. When put the motion was carried.

Golf clubs have ongoing problems with divot marks with clubs introducing many schemes to eradicate them. The Cairns Club at its March 1980 meeting received an offer to supply the Club with sand buckets. The offer was accepted, and sand buckets became available to players using the course.

A first for the club occurred at the April 1980 meeting, when it was advised that the March committee had decided to extend the Saturday afternoon competition to include Saturday morning play. Present fields were averaging 80 to 100 players.

Many attempts have been made to keep the dam on No.11 (2) clean and 1980 was no exception with $750.00 being spent on its cleaning. Although not entirely successful, the drag line used could only clear from the shoreline. In later years two aerators were placed in the water providing partial relief. In 1998 a scheme to clean the dam using a dredge was tried, it proved unsuccessful, as constant fouling by weeds growing on the bottom of the dam prevented clearance. Experience has shown that the best clearance is provided when heavy rains flood the dam causing the rubbish to overflow out of it.

Frequently, discussions were held regarding the site of the course and its layout. There were serious discussions on the relocation of the course, during the latter half of 1980 a special sub-committee was formed to plan the clubs long term development. A major recommendation, being the relocation of the course, and its formation into a Country Club.
One attempt to relocate the course, in the form of an exchange of land between the Club and a cane farmer and a member of the Club, who owned land situated between Manoora and Edge Hill. Due to a hilly location it was unsuitable for cane, and the owner was willing to exchange it with that of the land at the Golf Club. The change over to be accomplished over a period, with nine holes at a time. The negotiations were never finalised, the reason never explained. The scheme, if implemented, would have given the club 18 holes of hilly country, but one not plagued by wet and muddy conditions.

It was suggested that future fixture books contain paid advertisements and for the club to seek advertisers. The suggestion was accepted, and advertisers who applied would create a first in the history of the club. It was also submitted to the meeting a system of stock cards for use in the bar, recommending that bar prices be kept below public bar prices.

The clubhouse leaked badly in wet weather being a legacy left from bad
construction and planning when the building was first constructed. The problem was the gutters on the building carrying too much water, which were not adequately cleared by the down pipes. In heavy rain, water overflowed out of the gutters and into the clubhouse. It became very dangerous, as ‘down pipes’ were located in the columns that supported the walls which also carried electrical cables.

The Q.L.G.U. advised that it would be conducting its Country Week on the Cairns course during May 1982 and asked for permission to use the course, which would be forthcoming.

During the latter half of 1980, the Club negotiated with the Railway Department, seeking the use of the land between the railway which was denied. During competition days, drinks were placed in the shed near the 5th green (14th), with an honesty box installed. The system usually operated at a loss, and on one occasion youths from the nearby housing estate were seen robbing the box. Youths were not always to blame. It was ascertained that certain members were not paying for drinks, the collection of monies continued to cause problems until the mid 1990’s. The Club would provide a motorized buggy and pay an employee to drive the Course selling drinks. Another first for the club. Later the All Sports Club purchased a proper drinks cart and donated it to the club.

A report to the 1983 April meeting advised that the Clubhouse needed new furniture and asked that members be approached to donate one piece of furniture. Many members donated the cost of a bar stool with one member donating the cost to provide several drinking wall-attached tables.

The location of the kitchen has caused problems in the years leading up to 1981 and it came to a head at the June/July meetings when a debate on the
wearing spikes in the Clubhouse was raised. A carpet layer was installed on the walkway to the kitchen, remaining until proper tiles were laid in the 1990’s.

1981 was the year the first mention of an access road was aired at committee level. It was touched on briefly at the August meeting, when the club sought documents defining the actual boundaries of the course. The mention appeared in the minutes, that the club was considering a redesign of the course layout, which would result should the main roads resume portion of club land in designing the proposed bypass road.

During March 1982 the Council advised the club that it intended to construct a sewerage line through the centre of the course. The line would run across the course and service the housing estate that borders the 3rd (12) and 4th (13) fairways.
Very little is known regarding this construction, except a mention indicating that photographs of the areas affected by the sewerage installation would be taken to assist with any dispute that may arise— The line was completed on Sept. 1982

A golfing event between the Cairns and Innisfail was introduced in September 1982. Known as the “Blue Wings Challenge,” it took its name from the donors of the trophies, the Blue Wings Bus Lines. Organiser was Mark Wargent, and it was fitting after his untimely death, the event was renamed the “Mark Wargent Challenge.”

The Annual Meeting were told of a proposal from the developer concerning the development of their subdivision to the west of the Golf Club and its drainage through the course. The proposal consisted of the construction of a large drain which would bisect the first (9th) and ninth (10th) fairways.

The construction was a controversy, many believing it should have ensured that the drain was fully cemented further than that done. The drain carries huge amounts of water during wet weather.

The course rating was discussed during the meeting, and it was successfully moved, “that it is the right of the Captain or in his stead, the vice Captain and the Club Professional and the lowest handicapped amateur playing on the day to rate the course.” When approved the handicapper complained of difficulties, using changing course ratings,” handicapper have discretionary powers for the year despite a course rating.