A report recently presented to City of Greater Bendigo councillors notes ageing players, rising costs and declining interest could force some local clubs to merge or close. 

A study found all local clubs would struggle with debt, cash flow, employee support, rising costs and water availability in coming years. 

But Mr Garcia said Neangar Park was different. “We had 465 members in 2007, now we’ve got 654,” he said. 

“That’s around a 50 per cent increase in the last six years. So we’re definitely bucking the trend.

“The forebears of Neangar Park Golf Club were very fortunate to have a very secure water supply. Over the last seven years of drought, our golf course has improved in condition.” Mr Garcia agreed there were problems with local clubs and said he supported mergers. 

He said clubs also needed to better utilise their facilities and open up courses to the public. 

“We’ve got to work with the golf strategy group which is being set up by the council and hopefully come up with some ideas for the growth of the game for everybody’s benefit,” Mr Garcia said. 

“We do agree there are too many golf clubs in town, we do agree that we need to keep working on our juniors and growing the game. 

Mr Garcia said there were plans to develop the Neangar clubhouse and said he’d like to see functions at the site.?