Driving range netting to be upgraded

The Club’s troubled plagued driving range netting is set for a well-deserved upgrade in coming months after the Committee of Management approved the project at their most recent monthly meeting.

Damage caused from strong winds has seen the netting deteriorate rapidly in recent years and has required numerous repairs at considerable expense.  After reviewing the options available, it was agreed that the existing infrastructure was now beyond repair with a new structure the only viable option.

A trajectory study was undertaken earlier this year to determine the appropriate height and design to minimise ball escape issues from the driving range.  The trajectory study recommendations were reviewed and coupled with considerations such as aesthetics and budget, the Committee of Management has chosen to proceed with a 12-metre high structure, stretching 80 metres in length in much the same location as the existing netting.  The new netting and poles will be approximately twice the height of existing poles.  Once the new structure has been completed, it is expected that the majority of members will be able to use woods at all times, at least when the synthetic turf areas are in use.

The Club sourced three quotes with Country Club International (CCI) submitting the most competitive price – a budget of $95,000 has been allocated for the project.  CCI was established in 1992 and has been at the forefront of developing designs and systems for high safety screens in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia.

The design will feature five 12-metre high, free-standing poles, spaced 20 metres apart.  No guy cables or supporting structures will be required for the poles, improving the aesthetics of the structure – an important issue given the exposed location and views from the clubhouse.

The existing structure will be removed shortly, with work on the new netting expected to be undertaken in mid-September.  We ask all members to use their common sense and not play shots that will see golf balls travel beyond the range perimeter in the meantime.  Some restrictions will be in place during the construction process.

[intlink id=”14335″ type=”post”]Further information on range restrictions[/intlink] and timing will be provided to members in due course.