Twelve months ago, we were facing a year that promised significant disruption — a full program of green replacements, constantly changing course routings, tight timelines, and more than a few hopeful glances at the weather forecast.

There were even some who quietly wondered whether we would ever get to the finish line.

Others asking where the greens that bad – they were functional but had begun to show signs of age and wear, impacting both play quality and maintenance efficiency.

The Club aspired to have better playing surfaces, improved drainage, and a course that is future-proofed to meet any environmental challenges ahead.

Well — today, the results speak for themselves.

And what has been delivered in just over one year is remarkable: 23 new TifEagle putting greens successfully resurfaced; New 1st tees; Bunker work in progress & back bunker on the 12th and the left fairway bunker on the 6^th removed; New tees on the 7th, 9th, 11th and 13^th

And not a single temporary green required. Thank you for your patience and ongoing support

This has only been possible through meticulous planning, expert advice, and a management team that supervised every stage with precision, commitment and professionalism.

Delivering a project of this scale while keeping the course open — and keeping standards high — is an outstanding achievement.

The Golf Operations team, led by Joe Janison, worked tirelessly to secure alternative playing opportunities at surrounding Clubs who were generous in their support.

He also organised reciprocal events, interclub and days out at courses such as Toowoomba, Twin Waters & Sanctuary Cove.

Reece McCrae and the Captains rescheduled and rescheduled the major events and they got them all in for the year.

Course routings were redesigned again and again, with invaluable input from our routing guru, David Prince.

His planning determined the sequencing of works to maximise playing opportunities — although I suspect some of those routings are ones members would prefer never to walk again. David assures me he takes no responsibility for those.

Behind the scenes, Geoff Kuehner and Marcus Hartup managed the complex logistics of engaging the outstanding Atlas Golf Services Team— fresh from their work at Royal Sydney and on to RQ after us.

Dennis’s ability to reshape tees and greens at extraordinary speed kept the entire program on track.

Our hospitality team played their part, delivering orders out onto the course during the peak construction period to keep everyone going.

One of the most significant decisions along the way was the relocation of the East Putting Green, renamed The Foundation Green.

Rebuilding the existing green — with drainage limitations and safety concerns — was simply not the best use of your funds.

The course architect, Crafter & Mogford were engaged at short notice, the options carefully assessed by the Management Team & Board.

The final touches were supervised by Peter Walker who made sure the paths around the Clubhouse were poured and shaped to perfection.

The outcome speaks for itself: A practice green that is 33% larger. Clear sightlines from the entrance and clubhouse to the tee

And the ability to enjoy a drink while watching groups start their round — something we couldn’t do before.

We’re not quite at the finish line yet — but we can certainly see it.

The final greens on 14, 15 and 16 have been stolonised, Course Super Marcus is excited about the growth, and the last of the concrete has been poured today.

This project has once again demonstrates the strength of Team BGC.

Every one of us has played a role — whether as a patient member, a planner, organiser, inspector, overseer or supporter along the way.

But most of all, it is the talent and dedication of our Management Team that brought the project in on time and on budget

Please join me in offering a hearty and well-deserved congratulations to the Management Team for delivering one of the most significant course projects in our club’s history.

So where to form here? Logically the next focus is the Bunkers

They are an ongoing work that will continue until we have every one consistently drained and maintained.

It’s a long job though as the course team have found all sorts of tree roots in the old drains, some looking more like giant slugs!

Approaches used at other SE QLD Clubs will be considered, priority problem areas will be identified, some bunkers will be reduced in size, and costings will be prepared to progressively address the matter across a 5-year period. A big job ahead!

On another important topic. The 2024–2025 financial year delivered solid operational, financial, and strategic outcomes for the Club.

Membership remained at capacity, supported by high levels of engagement, record volunteer participation, and a full calendar of golfing and social activities.

The Board and Management Team kept focus on the long-held goal of Committees past to position the club as a sustainable premium private members Club.

The good news is that today, the Club is in a solid position. Our revenue has grown and is now more diverse than ever.

We are operating within our means, thanks to the disciplined and skillful financial management of Geoff Kuehner and the team.

But the real challenge is not today. It’s tomorrow. At present, the Club is not yet generating sufficient surplus to fund the essential capital works required across the course and clubhouse.

Nor the aspirational improvements that members quite reasonably expect to see over time.

Consultation with members on this issue is about to begin.

We are currently developing a comprehensive proposal that will include: A five-year Infrastructure Plan; A sustainable long-term Funding Model; and an updated Membership Fee Schedule

Our objective is to ensure the Club remains financially solid, responsibly managed, and well positioned for the future.

More information will be shared with members in the coming months, and we look forward to engaging you as this important work progresses.

As we look ahead, I think it’s fair to say we all have a very full and very enjoyable to-do list for the year. Follow our elite players like Billy Dowling, fresh from his victory in the Australian Amateurs, and Hannah Reeves, who is doing very well in the NSW Womens Open, already recorded multiple tournament wins in her first weeks as a professional.

Watch the next generation of BGC talent begin to emerge in the Junior programs. Support our pennant teams as they begin their campaigns for the year. Line up for an honour board event or two. Win a side bet with your mates. Meet new members. Welcome reciprocal members. Bring guests to play the course. Represent the Club in inter-club competitions. Attend the fabulous social events coming up like the Calcutta. Organise a lunch, or simply enjoying the outstanding cuisine created by our Executive Chef, Gillian Hirst.

So many ways of relaxing at the Club, your second home.

So play well, play often, enjoy the friendships, and make the most of everything BGC has to offer.

Have a great year of golf!

Deb Kember
President
The Brisbane Golf Club