Course Update 

September 9 2025

Course update

The majority of our golf course is in excellent condition. Our Greens, Tees and Fairways are all responding with some minor growth on the back of some warmer weather. Last week, we opened up our 3rd green, albeit with GUR and relief options in place for golfers, along with a makeshift bridge providing access to the green.

Cleaning up throughout the entire golf course continues. We still have many areas littered with debris and branches. A huge thanks to our volunteer groups on Mondays and Tuesdays, who continue assisting with our clean-up. We are continuing work on our 12th, 13th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd holes with our longer-term goal to have 27 holes playable. We may be ambitious in understanding the workload ahead; however, we aim to have 27 holes open by the end of September. Duard has taken the lead on applying for new course ratings, understanding there is likely to be shortened holes with temporary tees and a temporary green on the 16th hole. We will update golfers when this progresses. 

Tee Time Availability & Course Conditions

Over the coming weeks, members may notice various group bookings scheduled during what are typically considered "prime times or competition times." These bookings were made up to 12 months ago, at a time when we anticipated having all 27 holes available for play.

As you are aware, the Banksia Course is currently playing shorter than a standard 18-hole course due to necessary modifications. It’s operating as a 7-hole/11-hole configuration, with rounds taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours, respectively. This significantly reduces the number of available tee times compared to a full 18-hole course, at a time when we are entering our busiest season.

We understand this creates challenges, and we are working hard to balance the tee sheets in a way that honours our obligations while still prioritising the member experience. All visiting groups have been contacted and informed about the current course limitations, including:

• Modified hole layout
• Adjusted tee times
• Potential lack of cart access

Many groups, upon receiving this information, chose to cancel their bookings. Despite this, our tour operators and accommodation partners in Port Stephens have been incredibly understanding and continue to work collaboratively with us to ensure the best possible experience for our visitors.

We appreciate your continued patience and support as we navigate this period and work toward restoring full course access.

 Below is an example of a group that was originally booked (March 2025) in social times at 11am. They were asked to move to the back of the competition field, following the competition, to allow 11am competition players to return to the 1st tee after 7 holes and not get stuck waiting. Many similar examples will be encountered until we open 27 holes for play again. Our Tour operators, accommodation partners and all visitors to the area play a vital part in the success of our business. We haven’t been taking more bookings for the past two months now, especially on days that might affect member competition time. We request members to be patient as we navigate back to normality.

Wednesday 17 September – near full course available

Saturday 20 September - 112 morning times available & 48 afternoon times available (wedding in the afternoon from 2:30pm 20th tee)

Wednesday 24 – Full course available

Saturday 27  - 88 morning times available & 104 afternoon times

Temporary Local Rule Amendment.

Much of our attention is focused on opening more of the course for play over the next few weeks. Golfers will continue to encounter various areas affected by either course work and the effects of flooding. The following addition to our temporary local rules can be found on the Miscore App and the notice board in front of the golf shop.

GUR - SPECIAL RULE FOR THE DURATION OF TIME THE COURSE RECOVERS FROM FLOODING, INCLUDING MUDDY PATCHES & COURSE DRAINAGE WORKS

Free, full relief may be taken as per Official Rule 16 (Abnormal Course Conditions) for any temporary or permanent condition (for example, sand, dirt or areas under maintenance)

Free relief from any new drainage trench - relief may be taken in the marked drop zones, marked with blue stakes or at the nearest point of relief.

MiScore App – Tee Colour ID.

In recent months, our Monthly Medal rounds saw our men’s A & B grade (all golfers with a GA under 19.6) play off the Black markers, while our C Grade (GA 19.6 and above) registered to play from the Blue markers. The GA separation of 19.6 applies to the Banksia Course, and may differ from course to course when we start opening up 27 holes again.  

The golf shop will register players accordingly, and the respective tee colour to play from is indicated on the app (see example, in this case, black markers).