Revamped golf club a hit
Players revel in taking on Helensvale course
HELENSVALE Golf Club reopened its doors yesterday and residents say the new owners have hit a hole in one.
More than 500 residents have signed with the club after it was taken over by Brett Lawton, 52, his son Christopher, 25, and daughter Danielle, 23.
The course closed in March last year after Jigsaw Community Services went into liquidation.
The council had to maintain the 45ha site, which cost taxpayers more than $300,000. The Lawson family put their hand up to operate the club.
Lyn Dennis, who has been a club member for 20 years, said playing on the new course was surreal.
“The course and facilities are incredible, such an improvement. Old members are back and new players were at the first Ambrose competition today.”
The area features a new clubhouse, luxurious member’s area and function rooms, the Black Duck restaurant and monthly $50 memberships.
Brett Lawton said the response was overwhelming and working alongside his children had been memorable.
“It is now a modern-day building,” he said. “The kids have helped with the technology side and the whole design process. We do not enjoy the greed of chasing money or gaming – we developed a business inspired by what we enjoy.”
Revamping golf courses is not new for the Lawtons. Wally Lawton, Brett’s father, revamped a horse stud into the Eatons Hill’s Hidden Valley golf course in 1986. Since then Brett has developed courses across Queensland and still operates the Ipswich Sunny Gallop Golf Course.
Danielle Lawton said she loved golf, but traded her clubs for hospitality.
Division 2 Cr William Owen-Jones said the course was at the heart of Helensvale and was thriving again