Thurgoona Golf & Country Club Resort (TCCR) has completed installing state-of-the-art practice nets with the assistance of a grant from the NSW Golf Foundation and the new facility is already making a positive impact on the club’s thriving junior golf program.
The ambitious project took approximately four weeks to complete, with volunteers, greens staff, and external contractors all working together to complete the task in under four weeks from start to finish.
The team also beautified the surrounding area to create an inviting practice environment.
The timing of the new facility couldn’t be better, with the club’s junior golf program experiencing continued growth. The practice nets have proven invaluable for developing young golfers’ skills in a safe, controlled environment, with the club reporting an average of about 90 kids attending the lessons held on Sunday mornings through Terms 1 and 4.
“The new practice nets have been a welcome addition to our club,” Cameron Creek, TCCR Junior Golf School Coordinator, said. “These new facilities have been fantastic for our junior golf school clinics.”
“With the new nets, we can run additional activities with the students. It is also amazing to see kids in the nets practising during the week and really finding a love of golf.”
While junior development was the project’s primary focus, the new nets benefit all club members, particularly creating new opportunities for ladies’ golf programs.
Bryan Filliponi, the club’s resident PGA Professional, said the broader impact was pleasing, with lots of new faces now joining the instruction programs on offer at the club.
“The newly installed nets have been well received by all members, but particularly by our ladies and junior members.
“The nets have added a safe and inclusive environment for these members to grow and improve their game.
“Our lady members have engaged in additional weekly lessons in the new nets and existing practice facilities, and we are seeing new faces join these lessons.
The real measure of success, however, comes from the young golfers themselves. Nine-year-old Callum Creek said he enjoyed using the facility and learning new things about the sport.
“I really enjoy coming to golf lessons on Sunday mornings and learning new skills. I particularly like the tips I get from my coaches, and I get to practice after school in the new nets.”
The NSW Golf Foundation grant, combined with the efforts of the volunteers and staff, has delivered a facility that will serve the club for years. The practice nets are already proving their worth as an investment in the future of golf at Thurgoona.
