News Archive

KCGC 2024 Wrap

Dear Members,

As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s an opportune time to reflect on a year filled with growth, innovation, and community spirit. This year has been a testament to the resilience and commitment of our members, staff, and volunteers, who continue to uphold Keperra’s reputation as one of Queensland’s leading golfing destinations.  Sadly, the closing days of 2024 have brought another test for our resilience, with 247mm of rain challenging the strength and determination of our club. As we dry out and clean up, I am confident that we will be fully prepared to meet whatever 2025 may bring.

Financial Success

2024 has been an outstanding year financially:

• Green Fees: We are proud to report green fees exceeded $1 million, reflecting the continued popularity of our course among members and visitors.
• Rounds of Golf: Over 90,000 rounds of golf were played this year, highlighting strong engagement and the Club’s reputation as a top destination for golfers.
• Golf Shop Revenue: Achieving over $1.3m in sales, driven by exceptional customer service and a commitment to excellence.
• Hospitality Revenue: Our hospitality operations delivered strong results, with revenue exceeding $900k, underscoring the value of our clubhouse facilities and services to members and guests.

Diligent management of rising costs and focused expense control have ensured we are well-positioned for sustained growth.

Course and Facility Enhancements

• 8 New Tee Blocks: Adding eight new Tee blocks will enhance the course experience for members and visitors alike.
• Fairway Repairs & Irrigation: Major fairway repairs and the installation of new irrigation on the 9th hole have significantly improved course quality, ensuring improved playing conditions.
• Retaining Wall Project-Hole 8: The long-awaited retaining wall and green replacement will commence in early 2025. This project will enhance both aesthetics and playability while addressing critical infrastructure upgrades.
• Environmental Leadership: We are proud to be nearing certification with the Audubon International Golf Accreditation Program and remain committed to embedding sustainable practices through our EPAR policies.
• Master Planning: Significant progress was made on the lower-level clubhouse refurbishment. Plans include an expanded golf shop, café-style facilities, alfresco spaces, modern locker rooms, and an indoor golf simulator. These upgrades will elevate member and guest experiences while addressing aging infrastructure. Funding and staging options have yet to be finalised.

Community and Events

• Pennant Winners: Our Weekend Women’s team reigned supreme, further enhancing the club’s reputation in the Brisbane Pennant arena.
• Keperra Bowl: 2024 marked the 20th edition of the Keperra Bowl in its current format-a milestone celebration for this prestigious World Amateur Golf Ranked event. After careful review, the 2025 Keperra Bowl will be held in March.
• Junior Development: Our junior program continued to thrive, introducing young players to the sport and being again recognised as a finalist in the Queensland Golf Industry Awards.
• Charity Support: The Club contributed over $17,000 in donations and in-kind support to local schools and charities, including delivering the annual Hills Carnivale, in partnership with Moreton Bay Council.
• R&A 2024 Women in Golf Charter Awards: National Finalist in the Most Progressive Club/Facility of the Year category.   

Governance: Constitutional Review

In collaboration with Golf Australia, we commenced a comprehensive review of our Constitution. Key areas include evaluating membership categories, subscription models, voting eligibility, and a goal to ensure long-term financial sustainability. The recommendations will be shared with members in early 2025 and will require scheduling a Special General Meeting. The task further reinforces our commitment to sound governance and ensuring a framework that is both modern and reflective of a future-looking club.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward, several key initiatives will set the foundation for continued growth and success:

• Course Upgrades: Further projects include the construction of two new greens, new or renovated tee blocks, pathway improvements, and irrigation upgrades, ensuring the course remains in peak condition year-round.
• Clubhouse Upgrades: The lower-level refurbishment, including the expanded golf shop, café-style facility, alfresco spaces, and indoor golf simulator, will progress as part of our broader master planning strategy.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Finalising our Audubon International Certification and embedding further environmental and safety measures will keep Keperra at the forefront of sustainable course management.
• Constitutional Review: In early 2025, members will be informed of the recommendations from the 2024 review, including the process for considering and enabling change. A robust and future-focused governance model is imperative.
• Keperra Bowl: The 2025 edition of the Keperra Bowl, now in its 21st year, will take place in March to ensure optimal course conditions for this prestigious World Amateur Golf Ranked event.
• Establishing the Keperra Country Golf Club Foundation will enable us to pursue projects beyond our annual financial capacity, secure the Club’s legacy, and support long-term improvements.

With a clear plan and strong momentum, 2025 promises to be another exciting year for Keperra. We remain committed to delivering exceptional golf experiences, strengthening our facilities, and fostering a vibrant and connected golfing community. Again, we sincerely thank our members, customers, employee team, volunteers, and sponsors for their invaluable contributions throughout the year.

Wishing you all a safe and joyous holiday season and an exciting year ahead.

Warm regards,
Rod Rhodes
Club President

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UPDATE – From Ladies Committee

Morning Ladies,

2025 is fast approaching and the new committee are determined to make sure it’s a great year for all!! 🙂

Throughout the year, we will be seeking guidance and ideas from all members to help shape the future of woman’s golf at Keperra. We welcome any suggestions you may have. CAVEAT – We can’t keep everybody happy, but we will certainly try LOL

We held our first meeting this week and I’d like to share a brief overview of the main discussion points (below)

1. We would like to understand lady members needs/wants –please help us help you by completing a very quick survey (click here to access).
2. Pennant’s update– there will be two teams, a weekday and weekend (reflective of last year) . More information and request for nominations will be distributed soon.
3. Opening day– opening day as determined by the previous committee will be a shotgun start (9 holes) followed by a morning tea/brief presentation by inspire physio (sponsor).  More details including competition format will be advertised in the coming weeks.
4. Building woman’s golf– the committee are very keen to promote woman’s golf at Keperra and have discussed initiatives to mentor new members and to be involved in “Ladies clinics” held at Keperra.
5. Weekend social events– The intent is to build the social culture at Keperra by providing an environment for all category members to meet and mingle. The plan is to run an event once a quarter (pending interest and how well the first event is received).

Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge the previous committee for their time and dedication to woman’s golf at Keperra which has contributed to a successful 2024. Thank you!!!

Once again, Please complete the survey!! The committee would really appreciate it. (shout out to Ange for her amazing work putting the survey together)

Hope you all have an amazing Christmas and an even better New Year.

Regards,

Julie Lakotij

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21st Dam – Update 16/12

We are pleased to share that the issues with the 21st dam have been successfully resolved. The cause of the leak was identified as a redundant pipe, which has since been addressed and capped.

Although this was a less-than-desired event, we are happy to report that it has been resolved swiftly and with minimal consequence. The repair was completed early last week, and recent rainfall has already refilled the dam, ensuring it is back to full functionality.

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We wish to inform you about a maintenance issue concerning the 21st dam. Approximately two weeks ago, a leak was identified, prompting immediate monitoring and consultation with engineers to assess the situation.  The source of the leak has been located at the current waterline. This issue is not what we expected to encounter after nearly seven years of service. However, we are seeking expert advice to determine the best course of action to resolve it effectively and ensure the dam’s ongoing integrity and functionality.

It is anticipated that the water reserves in the 15th dam, along with the residual water in the 21st dam, combined with the wet summer conditions we have experienced, should ensure that the necessary repairs can be undertaken without any notable interruptions to the irrigation program.  We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work diligently to address this matter. As progress is made, we will share further updates.  Thank you for your continued support.

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Ladies Corner

The major ladies events of the month were the Closing Day and Annual Meeting, both held on 26 November.

A very big thanks for the generous prizes for the day, which were donated by:

• Height 4 Hire
• Kym’s Place and
• Helen Blanchfield

The theme for this year’s Closing Day was Australiana, and there were some great outfits and choosing the best dressed was not an easy task.  Here are a couple of the best:

New Ladies Committee

The following people have been elected to the Ladies Committee for 2025

President – Gillian Haussmann

Vice-President – Karen Cannon

Captain – Julie Lakotij

Vice-Captain – Angela Gordon

Secretary – Bonita Tyler

Pennants Coordinator – Melissa Robertson

Committee Member – weekends – Cassie Tyler

Committee Member – weekday – Julie Clahsen

Thanks to everyone for taking on the roles.  Thanks also go to the outgoing Captain – Gillian Di Corleto and outgoing Vice-President – Sue Truckey.

Upcoming Events

The next event will be Opening Day on Tuesday 28 January.  Ladies, keep an eye out for details.

Ladies President

Gillian Haussmann

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KCGC Junior News

It was a big month for some of our Junior Eagles last month. Firstly we had the Qld PGA at Nudgee where 4 of our Juniors competed in the MyGolf Pitch & Putt event. Keperra was proudly represented by Alex, Florence, Miller and Ellie. Although they didn’t come away with the win and I have been assured the kids had a ball.

Next up we were off the Australian PGA hosted by Royal Queensland where we had the Junior Kirkwood Cup, this time we had Ruben, Arthur, Miller and Ellie representing Keperra. The format was a 2 person ambrose on a 5 hole short course. In an extremely competitive field, the kids put on a fine display coming up just short.

It was a full week for Arthur, who also participated in the Caddy Kid Program, which saw him team up with American Professional, Jordan Gumberg, to cap off an amazing experience, Arthur was the proud recipient of Jordan’s Titleist Tour Golf Bag!!

Golf Shop Operations Team Lead

Peter Zealley

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