$20m golf facilities open at Curlewis
THE new $20m Curlewis Clubhouse and Accommodation facility has quietly but officially opened after four years in the making.
The Sharp Group, which heads Leura Park, Flying Brick Cider Co, Refined Maritime Climate Wines, Jack Rabbit Winery and Curlewis Golf Club, opened the Bellarine Peninsula centre on March 4.
The Sharp Group coowner and marketing, sales and hospitality director Lyndsay Sharp said the Portarlington Rd facility was “the most exciting and terrifying” project she and husband, coowner and director David had ever undertaken.
“We’ve thrown everything at it and are both elated and relieved it’s finally come to fruition,” Ms Sharp said. “During particularly despondent times when we wondered whether we would ever emerge from the brutal Covid landscape, all we could do to sustain optimism was to stay focused on the future.”
Ms Sharp said to label the lead-up to the clubhouse and accommodation dual opening as intense would be “an understatement”.
“We were all running around in a frenzy to line up all the ducks ready to open,” she said.
“To now walk in and around the complex and see people here enjoying what’s on offer is almost surreal.”
Sixty suites make up the accommodation at the new facility, with each room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, private balcony, private bathroom, and floating bench among other amenities.
Ms Sharp said adding an accommodation element to the design was a “no-brainer”.
“There’s a desperate need for accommodation in the region and it was a logical progression for Curlewis,” she said.
“We hope the accommodation facility will play a small role in helping to attract visitors to the region and then keeping them here to see, do, explore and experience all our magical little region has to offer.
“The rooms are designed to be welcoming, contemporary and comfortable – luxe but not pretentious.”
Ms Sharp said one of the standout elements of the new clubhouse was a dedicated Warhol Wall, which features six limited-edition, signed prints by artist Andy Warhol.
“The best thing about the Warhol Wall is that it’s the antithesis of golf – a not-sosubtle reminder that Curlewis is not your ordinary golf club,” Ms Sharp said.
The clubhouse also includes a gathering hub, Ivor’s Spike Bar, signature restaurant Claribeaux and pro shop.
“There’s still a bit of finessing and finetuning to be done, but that’s the fun bit,” Ms Sharp said.
“The operation is now finding its rhythm and the vibe is wonderfully positive.”