AusLeisure

The City of Greater Geelong has appointed facility management company Clublinks to take on the operations at its Queens Park Golf Club.

Closed at the beginning of last week when the Club’s longstanding pro shop operator Aaron Rayson stepped away from the lease, the Club, located in the suburb of Highton, is expected to reopen in the coming days. (Advice now received is that the Pro Shop and associated services will reopen as of tomorrow [Tuesday 6th June], ed).

Following an initial announcement that the course would close indefinitely to the public, the Council  swiftly launched an Expressions of Interest process that secured Clublinks as the new operator.

Commenting on this, Greater Geelong Mayor, Trent Sullivan stated “an Expressions of Interest process for the role of operating the pro shop and associated services at Queens Park Golf Course has been completed.

"Clublinks is the successful applicant and its staff will commence early next week.”

The golf club gave the first hint at its impending closure via social media on 18th May, when it advertised a “closing down sale”.

Subsequently, Rayson announced via the club’s Facebook page that he would leave his post, stating “this year marks 14 years at Queens Park for me and I cannot be prouder of what we have been able to provide members and public golfers.

“I will miss Queens Park and the people that made going to work a lot of fun.”

Rayson is also involved with indoor golf simulator Geelong Golf Studio, where indicated he would spend “more time coaching and clubfitting” following his departure.

In November, the city endorsed a new Golf Facilities Strategy that would see it pull out of management of courses including Queens Park Golf Club.

Following its sudden closure the site’s café/restaurant have remained open.

Local newspaper The Geelong Times reported that the former golf pro’s exit is unrelated to the “city’s financial troubles” that have affected services including libraries and swimming pools.

Article amended 11pm, 5th June 2023 to reflect advice from Clublinks that stated "Clublinks Management were confirmed as successful applicants on Friday 2 June as operators of the Pro Shop and associated services, with operations to commence from Tuesday 6 June.

"Further advice in relation to the course opening will occur sometime this week."

Images: The Queens Park Golf Club, credit (top): Google Maps and (below): City of Greater Geelong.

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