Large sections of Lara Golf Course (formerly Elcho Park) will close next week for up to four months as delayed works begin.
From Monday 12 January the course’s first nine holes will be closed to the public, as will the driving range, as initial irrigation upgrades begin.
The upgrades were due to start earlier but were rescheduled to minimise the impact on golfers over the peak summer season.
Contractors are already working on the site as part of a wider $2.4 million project targeting drainage, dam remediation and long-term water sustainability as well as irrigation.
Once the initial upgrades are completed in April or May the second nine holes will be closed for five or six months as work continues on that section of the course.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the decision to delay works was made to ensure the most efficient use of the course during the busy period.
“We’ve been in discussions with course staff, the Project Control Group, members and visiting golfers on how to best manage the closures and reduce impacts to golfers,” he said.
“The team has informed Lara Golf Course’s 297 active members of the revised dates, while signage around the course will inform casual users.
“The upgrades will take around ten months to complete. We understand that the closures will be inconvenient in the short-term and thank everyone for their patience.
“These works are planned to ensure Lara Golf Course remains sustainable for years to come and a destination course.”
