The Remarkable Regeneration of Corryong Golf Club
The devastating fires that swept through the East Coast of Australia in 2019/20 brought significant destruction to the town of Corryong, including its beloved golf course. However, the resilient community of Corryong has shown incredible determination in the redevelopment of the Corryong Golf Club. This redevelopment has culminated in the unveiling of nine new artificial grass greens, which were unveiled for play earlier this month.
This significant project also included the construction of a new deck at the Corryong Sporting Complex, providing a stunning view of the ninth green of the revitalized golf course.
Located 120 kilometers East of Albury-Wodonga, the Corryong Golf Club has a rich history of sand greens. However, the devastating impact of the fires prompted the club’s members and committee to envision a complete transformation of the putting surfaces.
Richard Bennetts, the club’s vice-captain, shared, “It’s been an ambition for probably about ten years. It was a tough time when the fires came through, but one of the positive outcomes was the availability of bushfire recovery grants. The club persevered and successfully secured one of those grants to install artificial turf greens.” The project’s funding was a result of the Victorian government’s Local Economic Recovery grant program, with additional support from the Border Trust Community Foundation.
Receiving $327,004 in recovery grants, combined with donations from local charitable organizations, made the entire project feasible.
Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes, emphasized the significance of providing assistance to clubs like Corryong during recovery from major disasters, stating, “We know that recovery from major disasters takes time, and grants like these help communities to get back on their feet. We’re proud to see the results in Corryong and stand by the community as they progress in their recovery.”
While the golf course provided shelter for the town during the fires, enduring the loss of only one residence, it remained closed for an extended period due to the cumulative impact of the fires, storm damage, and the pandemic. However, this closure provided an opportunity for the course to rejuvenate, prompting the members and committee to plan for renovations. A dedicated working group, particularly focused on the greens project, was established to drive the club forward. The impressive efforts of the team of volunteers were recognized by golf club president Kelly Galbraith at the official launch dinner of the new greens.
The club’s meticulous approach throughout the project has ensured the creation of particularly playable and sustainable finished product. Consultations with clubs around the country, especially in Western Australia, were instrumental in ensuring that the greens were properly constructed with base material that is largely recycled glass. As a result, the putting surfaces remain level and free from bacteria or organic matter growth, offering a playing experience akin to natural grass greens, complete with undulations and up to four possible pin placements.
Richard Bennetts shared, “We haven’t received a single negative comment. Everyone has been impressed with them. It’s a pretty significant achievement, and you can already see the benefit to the community; it’s already having an impact. The number of people playing has increased dramatically, and we are receiving interest from all around, with people wanting to play on the new greens and experience them for themselves.”
The official opening day saw a full field of 3-player Ambrose teams, with a course record of 76 achieved on just the second official day of competition, underscoring the excitement and interest the new greens have generated. Additionally, the new greens have captured the attention of young golfers, leading the club to collaborate with local schools to introduce a formal youth development program.
To learn more, visit the Corryong Golf Club’s official website [here](https://www.golfnsw.org.au/golf-clubs/corryong-golf-club/) and join the conversation on their Facebook page [here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/1026491335156543/).