NEANGAR Park Golf Club hopes it can begin works on Bendigo’s first pitch ‘n putt golf course before the end of the year should Labor win the State Election after the party promised $250,000 towards the project.
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The golf club will provide the final $100,000 for the works that will begin with the construction of a commercial driving range.
The plans for the nine-hole course are before the City of Greater Bendigo for consideration.
The golf club had applied for a Sport Australia grant, but that would no longer be necessary should the state government funding flow.
Neangar Park Golf Club president Phil DeAraugo said it was a pleasing announcement.
“Subject to planning approval with the City of Greater Bendigo, and should Labor get elected, we would imagine works could start at the end of the year or early next year,” he said.
“The driving range will be completed first and the pitch ‘n putt will be worked on during the winter.
“Our timeline is to have them ready by the end of next year and to be open for play.
“This announcement demonstrates that Labor are keen to support sports club and golf clubs that are encouraging people to get active in our community.”
The driving range will be 250 metres long and 40 metres wide.
The pitch ‘n putt course will be built largely over an existing driving range at the southern end of the Neangar Park grounds in Eaglehawk and will require some vegetation removal. It is proposed to include holes varying in length from 45 metres to 80 metres.
The closest course of its kind is believed to be in Melbourne.
Incumbent Labor Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the upgrade would help to attract more people to the sport.
“Neangar Park Golf Club is an important part of our community and we’re making sure the facilities are even better to attract even more people to the club,” she said.
During a Bendigo West candidates debate this week, Liberal candidate Kevin Finn said he would support any policies that would boost preventative health and get people active.
He was contacted for comment on Thursday.
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