CONSTRUCTION on the Scone Golf Club’s new $3.8 million course is ahead of schedule.
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And, McMahons Pty Ltd project manager Jarrod Arps hopes it stays that way.
“The weather’s been good, which really helps,” he said.
“Three months into the work, we’ve finished bulk earthworks on four-and-a-half holes, increased the dam size and installed the irrigation system.
“All of that is on the newly-acquired site [of the course].
“Our scheduled date for completion is July, next year, so it should flow through on time if everything goes according to plan.”
The reconstruction was necessary because Roads and Maritime Services’ (RMS) proposed route for the Scone Bypass travels by way of existing holes 1, 4, 6, 7, 9 and the practice range.
RMS is funding the multi-million dollar redesign and construction, with Upper Hunter Shire Council providing the additional land on the southern side of the existing layout and the planned bypass.
Over the past two years, council has been in discussion with RMS, golf club members and the Scone RSL Club Ltd, who owns the clubhouse and surrounding land.
It was those delegates and local players that were given an up-to-date tour of the work on Monday evening.
“We had an informal progress meeting – and a site visit for interested members,” Scone Golf Club chairman Gordon Halliday said.
“While our competitions have been abandoned here, for the time being, the neighbouring clubs have been great.
“They’ve looked after our players.
“Our members have been patient, too; they realise the advantages at the end of the project.
“We’ll have a state-of-the-art architect-designed course right in the heart of Scone.
“McMahons [Pty Ltd] teamed up with Pacific Golf Design, who boast many years of experience.
“Both firms have a long track record in the golf industry, so we’ve got the right people doing the job.”
Mr Halliday said the new links would be a massive benefit to the town as well.
“The potential to bring people to the area is huge,” he admitted.
“Not just golfers, but Grey Nomads and people hoping to get away for a weekend.
“Luckily, there’s been a real cooperative approach with council and everyone else involved in the project.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s all gone smoothly.”
Council’s manager special projects Alan Fletcher agreed that the redesign was progressing well.
“The holes in the new section of the course are substantially complete with earthworks and irrigation happening and grassing due to start after Christmas,” he said.
