Golfers: Club will survive

From back page Horsham district and broader Wimmera communities responded to an appeal in November last year to help the club to pay immediate bills and prevent it from going into administration.

The appeal ultimately raised $342,000 within a few weeks, providing club leaders with critical financial leverage.

“We can’t thank our community and creditors enough,” Mr Delahunty said.

“We couldn’t help but be encouraged with the response. It was such a great effort.

“When speaking to people around the town and district the question was always, ‘what can we do to protect the golf club?’ It is such a valued community asset.

“We have a fully focused board committed to a plan that is working.

“We also have understanding and committed staff members and have had very patient creditors.

“We also have a really nice array of new as well as existing sponsors and a bank that has been happy to have open and frank discussions.

“We’ve obviously had great community support and a patient member base.”

Mr Delahunty said members at last night’s meeting also heard confirmation that acting club manager Steve Copley of Adelaide would take on the role permanently.

He said there were also other exciting developments unfolding, including a new member partnership with 13th Beach Golf Links at Barwon Heads.

“During the next six months we also have many community and fund-raising events planned, many of them aimed at non-golfers and juniors,” Mr Delahunty said.

“What we will continue to need is for people to pull the clubs out of the shed and to come out and make the most of our fantastic course.”