2022: The Year We Ranked 8th and 20th in Australia
Posted on: 6 January
As we race into a new year we can’t help but look back on the year that was. With a newly redeveloped course and clubhouse, 2022 was a year full of ups and downs but for us, it also had plenty of wins.
Here are our top six memories from the year that was.
1. Debut ranking as a Top 100 golf course in Australia
In February, we celebrated our feature in Golf Australia Magazine’s Top 100 Golf Courses in Australia. We debuted in 20th place amongst stiff competition from premier private and public courses across Australia.
With an average point score of 86, the judges were heavily impressed by our new and improved course with comments like “…a breath of fresh air in Australian golf. A totally unique golf experience, there is no golf course like it in Australia”; and “Lonsdale Links may well be the most fun course to play in Australia”.
2. Rubbed Shoulders With Touring Golf Pros at our Lonsdale Links Shootout
Members and guests had the chance to watch Touring Pros take on our course, with plenty of action happening on and off the course between Geoff Ogilvy, Stephanie Bunque, Richard Green, and Julienne Soo. The competition was a stand-out day on our event calendar.
3. Launched an all-new Membership for Beginner Golfers
As a club that values inclusivity in the sport, we devised and launched an all-new Membership category – Starter Membership. Made especially for beginner golfers, it was designed to set up new golfers for success and includes free group clinics to learn golf or improve skills, a collection of private lessons, and Starter-Only on-course competitions to get a taste of Club life. Not to mention enjoying 6-day playing rights throughout their Membership term.
4. Celebrated our 100th Birthday
Established in 1922, Messrs Nicholas and Pascoe purchased 45 acres of land in Point Lonsdale for 1000 pounds and opened the then-named Point Lonsdale Golf Links on 18 November. Thanks to our pioneers, this year we got to celebrate 100 years of the Club.
5. Signed the Women in Golf Charter
We became official signatories of the R&A Women in Golf Charter which involves golf clubs actioning change to provide more opportunities for women and girls in golf.
To increase female participation and leadership we are implementing practices across our Club that are fair, equitable, and inclusive for all women and girls.
6. Another Debut Ranking, Top 100 Public Golf Course
Finally, to cap off the year that was, we achieved another milestone (and debut) ranking. This time making Golf Australia Magazine’s Top 100 Public Access Courses as 8th in Australia. What a way to cement our goal of being one of Australia’s best public access courses.
Judge Brendan James said, “Lonsdale Links makes its debut in the Top-100 Public Access Course ranking having already gained a reputation as one of Australia’s most fun courses“.
Another judge, Nathan Burgess added “The outstanding highlight at Lonsdale Links is the design of the greens, which are large and contain plenty of contours, tiers, and subtle slopes. Some of the greens might even be considered quirky, but, on the whole, they are just fun to hit and putt on”.
Our sincere thanks go out to all our Members, visitors, and supporters over the past year. We couldn’t do it without you and can’t wait to see what 2023 brings!
