News Archive

7th January 2025

Hole 14 Improvements

Hole 14 Improvements

The Club is pleased to provide an update on the improvements to the 14th hole at Keperra Country Golf Club, which began on Monday, 6th January 2025. These enhancements aim to elevate the playing experience and improve the course’s functionality.

Current Works in Progress:

  • New Pathway Installation: A new concrete path is under construction, beginning near the left-side fairway bunkers, extending around the back of the green, and connecting to the path adjacent to the 15th tee block. The path will also feature a stop area at the rear of the green, similar to the design on hole 11.
  • Pathway Adjustments: The existing 14th hole pathway will become the preferred pathway for the 15th hole.
  • Re-turfing and Upgrades: Several areas around the green surround will be re-turfed to improve aesthetics and playability.
  • Drainage and Irrigation Enhancements: Additional drainage and irrigation will be installed to improve the green surrounds and ensure sustainable course quality.

Future Plans:

  • The path will be extended to the 14th tee block along the left side of the fairway.
  • The fairway bunkering will be reviewed and likely adjusted to enhance the landing area for tee shots, optimising playability for all golfers.

Work on this phase will continue over the next two weeks. The Club appreciates your patience and understanding as upgrades are completed while striving to minimise disruptions to the member golfing experience.

These improvements are part of the ongoing commitment to providing the best possible facilities for members.

 

Thank you for your support!

KCGC Management

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7th January 2025

MiScore App – Nearpin (Trial Thursday 9th Jan.)

MiScore App – Nearpin (Trial Thursday 9th Jan.)

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a new and improved process for Nearest the Pin (NTP) competitions, now seamlessly integrated into the MiScore app.

How It Works

Starting this Thursday the 9th of January, we will be trialling this process in conjunction with the competition, NTP scoring will be enabled directly in the MiScore app. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Members: You will still need to nominate when checking in at the Golf Shop if you wish to participate
  2. Real-Time Tracking: Once you’re on the course, your NTP attempts will be tracked directly through the MiScore app—no more manual recordings
  3. Clear Results: At the end of the competition, NTP winners will be automatically calculated, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

Important Notes for Participants

  • Ensure your MiScore app is updated to the latest version before the competition.
  • Follow the instructions provided during registration to make the most of the new NTP scoring feature.
  • If you experience any issues, our team will be available to assist on competition day.

Please click on the link below for a step by step guide on how to utilise this feature.

MiScore App – NearPin : MiClub Help

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6th January 2025

Ladies Open Day – 28/1

Ladies Open Day – 28/1

Keperra Country Golf Club Major Sponsors Inspire Health Services will be out on course Tuesday January 28th to support and meet the Ladies participating in the 2025 Ladies Open Day.  Inspire Health Solution is an allied health practice in West End, Albion & Newmarket with a team of physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, dietitians and massage therapists. They are also a team including a range of regular golfers of let’s just say varying abilities.    

With a team also carrying TPI accredited exercise professionals Zac and the Team will be onsite to support players with any injury or movement related swing issues or concerns the Ladies may have.

 

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3rd January 2025

Course Maintenance: A Balance of Resources and Priorities

Course Maintenance: A Balance of Resources and Priorities

We are often asked why certain maintenance activities are prioritised over others. Like most businesses, our course maintenance program is governed by resource allocation, which includes equipment, labour, and consumables such as fertilisers. In recent years, the Club has significantly increased its investment in these areas, and the benefits are becoming increasingly evident.

While there is rarely any disagreement about what should be on the to-do list, the priority list often requires careful interpretation and adjustment. Understandably, some clubs operate with significantly higher course budgets, while others manage with less. Regardless of these factors, our goal remains constant: to create value that exceeds the monetary investment. We firmly believe we achieve this better than most.

Weather disruptions frequently challenge even the best-laid plans, and last month (December) was no exception. Due to public holidays and increased course activity during the holiday season, December presented unique planning challenges. Adding to the complexity, we received 321mm of rain that fell over the first 19 days of the month (Dec 2024) which caused significant inundation on Wednesday, 18th Dec. Planning quickly became a daily—and in some cases, hourly—proposition when this happened.

When such disruptions occur, the immediate priority is to reopen the course. The Club is proud to say that it achieved this within 24 hours on this occasion, though admittedly in a condition below our usual standards. This rapid reopening required prioritising the cleaning of the course, addressing safety issues, and operationalising irrigation and pumps. The team then focused on mowing greens, tees, surrounds and fairways.

Beyond these initial steps, decisions needed to be made regarding mowing the rough and reinstating bunkers. In this instance, mowing the rough was prioritised, resulting in bunkers being out of play longer than we would typically prefer.

Why prioritise mowing the rough?

This decision was influenced by several factors, with the forecast for continued wet and stormy conditions being a key consideration. More rain would likely restrict further mowing and undo any bunker repairs, rendering them back to poor conditioning. Additionally, player feedback highlighted that the longer rough was/is causing frustration due to increased lost golf balls and a slower pace of play. Addressing this issue was deemed more urgent.

The bunker rectification will involve more than simply raking the affected areas and will likely involve 150-200 hours of labour.

To mitigate short-term concerns with the bunkers, we introduced a local rule allowing optional relief, which ensures players were not subjected to unreasonable playing conditions.

Please rest assured that getting the bunkers back in play is a priority. The task is scheduled to commence on Monday, January 6th.

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20th December 2024

KCGC 2024 Wrap

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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