Jamberoo Golf Club has completed construction of new permanent tees as part of a project that has delivered a fully rated Gold Course for the Illawarra club, opening up fairer competition for female players across both social and pennant golf.

The project, supported by a grant from the NSW Golf Foundation, saw new grass tees constructed on the 4th, 15th and 14th holes, with groundwork also completed on two further holes.

Soil was purchased, watering connected to the club’s irrigation system, and turf laid to a high standard. The club also contributed additional funds toward labour and equipment hire.

The impact has been immediate. Female participation in Medley Ambrose competitions has grown from around six players to approximately 25 since the new tees came into play, and six women competed from the Gold tees during the most recent Pennant season in March.

Women’s President Pam Middlebrook said the project had delivered something the club had long needed.

“A new fairer course that can be permanently put into play has given women players a fair chance in Ambrose and Pennant competitions, being 80% in length of the Men’s Blue Course,” she said.

Project co-ordinator and life member David Ransom echoed that view.

“The new Gold Course can now be used for social play and for competitions by both female and male veterans,” he said.

“It is a real course with an official rating and its own tees.”

Prior to the project, female players competing in Golf NSW Illawarra Pennant lacked a course with a matching par and appropriate distance relative to the men’s layout. The new Gold Course resolves that, providing a permanent, properly rated alternative that is expected to continue driving growth in female participation at the club.

Plans are already in place to install permanent signage acknowledging the NSW Golf Foundation’s support, and the new tees have already been used for a charity Ambrose day and several club competitions.