Former Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, has recently come under scrutiny as he pursues membership at the esteemed Portsea Golf Club. Some members of the club have expressed disdain for his bid, while his ally, property developer Max Beck, has been actively advocating on his behalf. Reports have surfaced of Andrews and Beck playing golf with a prominent figure from Portsea, leading to speculation about potential efforts to facilitate the ex-premier’s admission.
The repercussions of the pandemic, exacerbated by the former premier’s stringent Covid-19 regulations in Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, have left a number of golf club members feeling resentful. His decision to extend lockdown restrictions to the Mornington Peninsula, effectively halting golf activities, has not been forgotten. Consequently, the prospect of Andrews’ membership at the Portsea Golf Club has prompted a division of opinions among its members, with some vehemently opposed to the idea.
The controversy surrounding Andrews’ application for membership has not escaped the attention of the nearby National Golf Club, where members have expressed strong protests against his potential admission. The collective disapproval from the club’s members prompted one individual to even customize their BMW number plates with the abbreviation ‘F*** You Dan Andrews’ as a form of protest.
As the conflict unfolds, it is evident that the decision on Andrews’ membership warrants careful consideration. While some members have voiced their support for his application, others remain steadfast in their opposition. Despite the lobbying from his supporters, it appears unlikely that Andrews will be successful in gaining membership at the Portsea Golf Club, particularly as one member emphasizes the importance of upholding the club’s core values.
The dispute at the Portsea Golf Club serves as a reminder of the intricate intricacies involved in membership matters, especially when the individual in question holds a prominent public position. As deliberations continue, it remains to be seen how the club will navigate this challenging situation and uphold its membership standards.