EVERYONE has seen the numerous video and photos of the current floods on news and social media - our thoughts and prayers from The Island Golf Course at Nambucca Heads go out to those who are much more worse off and have lost everything.
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Luckily, our golf club has suffered only minor damage. But the course has not fared so well, having endured long periods under water. Fairways 2, 3, 12, 16 and 10 are heavily silted, with 11 and 17 partially silted.
Most bunkers have been washed out, but on the bright side, we may use some of the silt to fill in those bunkers listed for 'upgrades'. The plan is to get the Clubhouse up and running within a day, once we can get access over the causeway, which is currently blocked by a runaway oyster pontoon!
The golf course plan is to get the front nine holes playable (relative term!), and progressively work on the back nine. A big thanks to our good neighbours at Coffs Harbour GC who are sending some of their staff down to assist us.
Obviously, it is unlikely that we will have golf carts back in use for a couple of weeks. Members will be advised when volunteer requirements become clear.
With record rains hitting the Mid North Coast from last Wednesday, we were lucky to get just one competition played - a Medley Single Stableford on the Tuesday. This was won by Michael Tarleton (18 handicap) with 38 points from John Buganey (23) with 34 points on countback from Wilfred Randall (18) from Coffs Harbour.
The ball rundown went to 31 points on countback. NTPs went to Paul McElhinney on 5 and 18, and Malcolm Blanch on 13.
All scheduled events after that last week were cancelled, and some others will be rescheduled, subject to course conditions. Completion dates for various knockout and other events will be revised, and members advised through the usual media processes.
Stay safe and avoid floodwaters, we hope to see you on back on The Island soon.