Scouting for golfers, trainees

Captain Paul Kennedy and president Ron Hottes at Warburton Golf Club. 145378.

By JODIE SYMONDS

IF you’ve ever thought about dusting off the golf clubs, now is a good time to head down to Warburton Golf Club.
Membership numbers are at an all-time low and stalwarts are seeking some fresh blood on their beloved course.
President Ron Hottes said he believed it was a geographical misunderstanding why their numbers were continuing to decrease.
“I think people are under the impression that it’s a whole-day trip to play golf here and it isn’t,” he said.
“We’re struggling and we need to get the Upper Yarra Community aware.”
The club currently has 150 members and Mr Hottes said about a quarter of those were social members who didn’t always play golf regularly.
“We are really saddened that it’s just sitting here and not getting used to its full potential,”
He said while events such as Warburton Fun Run did bring in casual players or green fee-ers as they were called, it was not enough.
Captain Paul Kennedy said they would continue to keep open.
“It will definitely be tough,” Mr Kennedy said.
A membership at Warburton Golf Club is $990.
For more information on Warburton Golf Club, visit http://www.warburtongolf.com.au/index.php