The Harden Country Club course is closed until further notice following Saturday night’s wild storm that caused damage to the golf course.
An estimated 40 trees have collapsed or been damaged around the course since staff arrived and accessed the destruction on Sunday morning.
General Manager of the Harden Country Club, Chris Longbottom spoke to The Times on Monday morning.
“Obviously what we don’t want is golfers going out and possibly being hit by other tree limbs that might come down, so it’s a matter of erring on the safe side of caution,” Chris said.
Course Greenskeeper, Chad Gilmore, will assess the course on Monday morning to deem when the course will be safe to play, however, there is currently no indication when the course will be back open for play.
The Country Club is currently encouraging members to volunteer in the cleanup effort at the course.
“We’ve reached out to our members saying our volunteers are an important part of our community,” Chris continued.
“There’s such a lot of damage and it’s a lot of work for only two staff crew.
“We have had a few members out there already.”
Tasks will require picking up loose branches and returning them to a trailer or nearby garden bed.
“Due to the damage sustained on the course from the storm on Saturday night we are calling out any volunteers to assist Chad and Britt with the cleanup,” the online statement from the Harden Country read.
Contact Chad Gilmore on 0432 618 680 if you are able to assist in any way.
Fortunately, there hasn’t yet been any structural damage to buildings or course infrastructure found.
The clubhouse did receive a battering, however, with their computer server system shutting down after being struck with lightning.
The Harden Country Club will be bustling on Friday night for their Christmas Eve celebrations, with the golf course also open to golfers across the festive season with an honesty box near the first tee.
The club’s alfresco dining area and beer garden is scheduled to open on Australia Day in January.
Tim Warren
