LIFE AFTER PARADISE
HOW GOLF WILL COPE WITH CLOSURE
THE closure of premier course Paradise Palms is another knockout blow for golf in the Far North with players a chance not to return to the game and golf-related tourism set to take a dive.
The 18-hole premier golf course is due to close on March 31 as owner PPNQ Developments prepares to transform the 113ha property into a residential estate, possibly including a new school, retirement village and tourist park.
Some leading Far North golfing identities believe many Paradise Palms members will walk away from the game altogether, others think the tourism market around golf will have a large drop-off while others are just sad to see such an excellent golf course close.
Paradise Palms’ closing will leave just Cairns and Half Moon Bay as major golf clubs in Cairns, with others spread out around the Far North region, up to Port Douglas and on to the Tablelands.
Half Moon Bay general manager Greg Ferry remembers many golfers walking away from the game after the closure of Novotel Resort Palm Cove and wants current Paradise Palms golfers to continue in the sport.
“I just hope that it does not stop people from playing golf altogether because there is other good courses in the region,” Ferry said.
“I am sad because it is a great course and it could have an impact for drop-off (in) numbers.
“It has happened in the past, when the Novotel course closed a few years back, there was a few people that stopped playing because that was their course.
“But, we do not know, time will tell.”
The Cairns clubs have not encountered large numbers of golfers looking to take up membership at their clubs after Paradise Palms closes, but Cairns Golf Club general manager Matt Bolton thinks social golfers and corporate days will increase at his course.
“We are gearing up for more players in the market,” Bolton said.
“It will put pressure on the clubs in the region because of more players being in the market.
“I hope people do not stop playing golf, it would be a