Important President’s Message – Golf Shop Fire – Saturday, 2 December

It is now almost 2 days since the fire began that sadly destroyed our Golf Pro Shop and the memories and golf equipment that was stored under its roof. I have noticed already the many different emotions and responses from our Members and Staff. Clearly, we are grateful that no staff or members were injured, and that the Clubhouse is unscathed. However, I also understand Member concerns who have lost golf clubs, golf bags and the many small personal items also destroyed by the fire. I wish to convey my sympathy to all those Members affected and assure them that the Committee and Staff are working tirelessly to assist Members to enjoy golf and Club facilities again as soon as possible.

The Golf Pro Shop has now been surrounded by protective barricades until work begins to remove the destroyed structure from the site. It is now safe for Members to visit the Club, inspect the damage and pay respects to their memories. Please always remain behind the barricades for your safety. Our Saturday Ladies are enjoying a Christmas Luncheon today in our Clubhouse.

I remind Members that the Golf Course proper will not re-open until Monday, 4 December morning. The Practice Greens will be available for use from Sunday, 3 December. Practice Fairway is closed until we acquire new range balls. Club motorised carts will be inspected Monday morning and may be available for use. Private motorised carts may be used as normal, but club push trolleys are not available. I would ask all Members to book in a normal manner through the Club App or Website for all games from Monday onwards. Please report to the Garden Room where our Club Professionals will greet you on arrival. Obviously there will be minimal golf products for sale on Monday but gradually supplies will arrive over the next week.

I would like to also give an update to those Members who have lost their golf clubs and equipment in the fire. The Club has now had initial conversations with our insurers. This is against a background of the insurance information that we provided Members on 2 November. In that message the Club advised that golf equipment damage will no longer be covered by our insurers. It also advised that Members should discuss this change with their own personal insurers. This is an unfortunate recent change but is being experienced by all golf clubs around Australia and there are ongoing discussions at golf industry forums.

The outcome of current meetings with our insurers will be discussed by our Committee and we also need to consider the totality of our insurance cover and potential claim. This process may take several weeks but I will continue to keep Members informed as information is clarified and decisions made.

In the meantime, I wish to provide some advice to Members considering their options moving forward after having lost their golf equipment. I would imagine these Members have already considered multiple options. Digging out old clubs, borrowing clubs, or even racing out to buy a new set have probably all been proposed.

The Club has already arranged for a large number of demonstration sets to be supplied. We expect these to arrive after next week and can be used by affected Members. There are also several sets being provided from other golf Clubs in Brisbane. I am aware that some Members wish to donate their old sets of clubs, and this is greatly appreciated. If members wish to donate their sets to the Club, please present them to the golf professionals in the Garden Room from Monday onwards.

Currently we are working with all golf suppliers on a process to assist affected Members who wish to proceed on purchasing new equipment. The golf equipment suppliers (Major Brands) are all keen to assist the Club during this difficult time. We agree to provide the best possible prices to these Members purchasing new equipment and clubs. To initiate this process, we are developing a form for Members to complete which will provide general information about each Members equipment requirements. This form should be available online and at the Club early this week.

Again, I must emphasise that Members who purchase new equipment through this process, should do so understanding that we have no definitive answer on insurance or compensation. As I said earlier, I will keep you informed as answers become clearer in the coming weeks.

The telephone lines for the Club are currently damaged and all calls are directed to staff mobiles. I would ask that Members refrain from non-urgent calls to the Club until these telephone lines are repaired. As you would imagine it is a very busy time for our Staff. We will continue to provide these updates during the next week and happy to answer any questions through email correspondence also. Thank you again for your understanding and patience.

Mark Deuble, President