CEO Update GOLF COURSE WORKS CURRENT PROGRESS & OUTLOOK
Stage 2
Fairway creek Construction
The reconstruction of the creek crossing the 2nd fairway is approximately 80% complete. Remaining works include:
Installation of a new cart bridge and pedestrian bridge
Minor shaping and landscaping along both sides of the creek
Sand Slit Drainage (2nd Fairway)
The visible trenches on the right-hand side of the 2nd fairway are part of a new sand slit drainage system.
These drainage lines will extend laterally across the fairway, improving water dispersal and playability.
Works will be scheduled outside of competition play to minimise disruption
New Pump Station
A new pump station is currently being installed between the two dams on the 2nd fairway. This will allow water to be pumped from either dam independently or simultaneously, depending on operational requirements.
The upgrade provides the Superintendent with increased flexibility and access to a greater volume of water when needed. Additionally, the project includes the modernisation of associated infrastructure and equipment, further enhancing the club’s irrigation capabilities. ( indicative size & location as shown in image)
New 14th Green
Progress is strong with:
Drainage, irrigation, and greens profile expected to be completed within days.
Barring delays, full completion of this section is anticipated in the coming weeks.
11th Green & Dam Wall
The new 11th green is taking shape, however: Delays were encountered due to the unsuitability of the existing rock wall on the dam’s edge, requiring further construction. The dam has been emptied to allow installation of a new stormwater pit plus construction of the new rock wall
Turfing and Seeding
Once earthworks are complete:
All affected areas will be solid turfed
Greens will be seeded
All heavy machinery will then relocate for commencement of Stage 3
Stage 3-Timeline
We are targeting an early October commencement for Stage 3, with completion aimed for the first week of February 2026.
I will provide further details as this stage progresses
Following the construction phase:
A 3-month grow-in period will be required for turf and greens to properly establish. This phase will represent a major milestone—bringing us significantly closer to unveiling the new course layout.
Once playable, the existing 1st hole will close, and all members and visitors will transition to playing the new course in its entirety. As always I encourage members who may have questions or hear some stories, which may not be true, to please come and see me and I will provide you with facts
Thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we continue to transform Cumberland for the future.
Warm regards,
Andrew Laplain CCM
CEO – Cumberland Country Golf Club
As course works continue, the Display Suite and Sales Office building (adjacent to the 10th Fairway) is nearing completion and is expected to open later this month. It will contain a ‘mock-up’ of a Residential Unit, and a Sales Team will be on site to take enquiries.
NEW CARTS
We are getting good feedback in relation to our new carts. As expected, we have had some minor teething issues to adjust the GPS system to suite our course. The new system gives us the ability to map when and where each cart goes on the course and based on that data we can monitor and adjust accordingly. If you have any issues or need help with the GPS please speak to a Pro Shop Staff member or one of our Operations Team who will be able to assist
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MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION REMINDER
Members are reminded that if golf subscriptions are not paid by the 30th September you will become unfinancial and not be able to book in and play in any competitions from the 1st October.
On a positive note, our membership has become so healthy we have decided to cap Membership in the following categories;
Competition Members – 140
Intermediate Members – 175
Junior Members – 140
This will ensure a fair balance between these categories and full playing membership. New applications in these membership categories will be placed on a waiting list.
DIGGERS DAY2025 – Save the Date
Cumberland Diggers Day this year will be held on Saturday 8th November with all funds going to support Legacy and the great work they do for Diggers and their families.
We have some wonderful sponsors who each year support this very special event, but we will always welcome more. If you’d like to become a sponsor, please speak with any of our Directors or one of the Office Staff for more information.
Of note; this year is the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and 80 years since the end of WW2. “Lest We Forget”
Denis Clifford (Club President)
Spring has sprung and the days are getting longer and warmer. Spring also means it’s time to renovate our greens. By the time you read this our Spring rennos will be done and the course will be reopened so we can get on with business.
The heavy rain from August has delayed the Match-play finals which have now been re-scheduled to September 27. For those playing, I wish you the best of luck! Unfortunately we have not been able to re-schedule the Cumberland Cup. There have been several factors working against us in this situation but the biggest is the shutdown of Golf Link for a few weeks during the month of October. We have also had to re-schedule the playing of the Club Championships due to the Golf Link shut down. They will now be played during November.
By now I would assume that most if not all of you have played the temporary course. There are a number of short holes played consecutively. To ensure that pace of play doesn’t become an issue I again ask you to consider calling up the group behind while playing this part of the course.
The course is still soft after the rain. As always, please repair your divot and another nearby should there be one. The greens will also be soft after their coring so also be considerate and repair more than one lob mark.
The Warren and Gibson teams have concluded their season with neither team making it through to finals. The Eric Apperly team didn’t have their best season either but were lucky enough to play some of the best courses in Sydney. Unfortunately for the Super Seniors their season was abandoned because of the wet weather. Sadly, they were the only team in competition that remained undefeated when the season was called off. Congratulations to all the players who represented our great Club!
Shannon Bridger
Club Captain
Course Update – Enabling Works
Work on the new 14th hole is progressing well albeit with delays due to the weather. There is still a lot to be done with the completion of Earthworks, irrigation, drainage and bunker shaping. followed by seeding perfectly timed for spring.
The new 11th hole (formerly the original 4th and 5th) progress is tracking well with the green and bunkers currently being shaped
Bridge Installation
The two bridges for the new creek on the 12th hole (originally the 2nd) are scheduled for delivery in September.
Bunker Upgrades
All bunkers within the enabling works are being lined with Klingstone, a leading-edge bunker lining product gaining a strong reputation in the industry.
Klingstone is a low-viscosity, single component, moisture curing liquid applied to both the base and faces of bunkers. It stabilises soils, creating a protective layer that:
Prevents contamination of bunker sand
Reduces erosion on steep faces
If Klingstone performs as expected, it will be considered for all future bunker works.
Member Safety and Patience
Thank you to all members for your continued patience during these works. Please:
Observe and follow all directional signage
Avoid entering any work zones for your safety
Course etiquette reminder: Unrepaired lob marks and unraked bunkers negatively affect play conditions.
Martin Smith Vice Captain Chair of the Greens Committee
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LADIES PRESIDENT REPORT
With only being able to play once this month, that being last Tuesday, unfortunately, hasn’t left a lot for me to report.
However, on a more positive note the weather in the last few days has been exactly, windy and warm, what is hoped for to help dry out the course.
The next major event on our social calendar will be the Cancer Awareness Day on 7th October. This year our proceeds will be donated to a very worthwhile cause, The Children’s Medical Research Institute. One in twenty children born in Australia suffers from some kind of genetic disease or congenital abnormality. Of these, sadly, childhood cancer is a leading cause of death.
The research conducted at The Institute has the capacity to improve the future health of every man, woman and child.
So, as the spring weather seems to promise it will live up to our expectations, let’s hope we will be able to enjoy sunny days, and of course good results!
Barbara Cocks Lady President
Ladies Captain’s Report
Not much golf to report on this month, as most ladies events were unfortunately washed out.
We did manage on the 3rd attempt, to play the Silver and Bronze I Salvers and the Bronze II Plaque. Congratulations to the 2025 winners.
Silver Salver – Eunmi Pyun 77 scratch
Bronze I Salver – Miyeon Lee 89 scratch
Bronze II Plaque – Joyce Tunks 11 Scratch Stableford points.
The Ladies Committee held this years end of season pennant team luncheon on Friday 29/8. Thank you to all the players, caddies and volunteers who came along to celebrate another successful year, and cheer for our victorious Bronze II Northern Districts pennant winners, and most valuable and undefeated player Kelly Yoo
The GolfNSW Women’s Club Challenge at Elanora and Mona Vale was postponed due to the wet, and we are waiting to hear of a reschedule date.
The Western Districts Inter Club Shield is set down for 15/9 at Stonecutters Ridge. Fingers crossed that September gives us fine weather so the last two ladies representative events can go ahead without further delays.
Please check the Fixture listing on the Members portal as several events have required rescheduling.
Good golfing Ladies! Tracey Hilton (Ladies Captain)
For any of your golfing needs call into the Pro Shop and talk to our friendly staff.
Joanne, Matthew, Myo, Arthur, Luke, Alex and the Juniors
We have finally been given Development Approval. This week the Minister for Planning and the Environment approved our Development Application for a new clubhouse, retirement living apartments, a high care facility and new golf course works.
This is one of the most exciting times in the 88 year history of our great club. In 2020 we entered into a partnership with Pariter Pty Ltd. Since that time, the Pariter Team have worked tirelessly with our Board to progress our dream of building a new clubhouse, upgrading our course and securing our financial future as an independent top class golf club.
Within the next few weeks, Flemmings, our course contractors will begin work on the re-designed holes with a time-line of about 12 months. Once that is completed, work will start on the new clubhouse, the high care facility and residences in stage 1, which is basically along the existing 1st hole.
Temporary course changes and ratings will be circulated shortly.
In further good news, Cumberland has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious ClubsNSW 2025 ‘Heart of the Community Award’. Once again, we are punching above our weight in the club industry up against much bigger clubs such as Parramatta Leagues, Mounties, Club Marconi and Castle Hill RSL Club just to name a few of the other finalists. The winning club will be announced in June, and we’ll keep you informed of the result.
All of this is thanks to you the members and once again we thank you for your support.
Denis Clifford (Club President) On behalf of the Board of Directors
The Masters team hosted Ryde-Parramatta on Sunday for a pivotal match in the pennant season, narrowly going down 4.5 to 3.5 in a closely fought contest.
Solid wins were recorded by Richard, Alani and Sean, all putting in impressive performances under pressure to keep the team in the hunt. Mark Guinney showed great resistance by squaring his match . A special mention goes to Matt Jones, who made his debut for the side. Despite a tough initiation, going down 6/4, his efforts and attitude were commendable.
Unfortunately, Ian, Greg and Martin were unable to turn the tide in their respective matches, each facing strong opponents. With the match finely balanced, the narrow loss sees the team slip to second place on the ladder.
With qualification for the semi-finals still within reach, the team now faces a must-win clash against section leaders Muirfield away this coming Sunday. A win in this fixture and the following match is essential to keep finals hopes alive.
A big thank you to all the members and caddies who came out to support the team your presence and encouragement make a real difference.
Martin Smith
Vice Captain
NDPC Ladies Bronze II Pennant
Round 1- 16/5/25 at Asquith GC
Cumberland vs North Ryde
An early 7:30am start and a wet morning, didn’t worry our ladies Bronze II team playing their first match at Asquith GC today.
The final result was an outstanding 4.5 to .5 win to Cumberland.
A fantastic start to the competition by
Kelly Yoo, Lucia Kim, Lisa Kim, Sally Kim and Sharon Byun.
I am happy to advise that the first construction works to facilitate the development are about to commence. As many of you are aware, we are embarking on an exciting journey to enhance our course and clubhouse, and I am thrilled to share an important update with you.
Construction of the temporary greens is set to commence on April 2nd. Once completed these greens will allow for uninterrupted 18 holes of play during the course enabling works.
These temporary greens will be located on the 2nd, 4th, 9th, and 18th holes and are indicated on the Map below.
During the construction phase and until the temporary greens are ready for play, it’s essential to note that the areas occupied by these temporary greens will be designated as compulsory ground under repair (GUR). This designation ensures the safety and fairness of play during this transitional period.
During construction of these greens, our spare Lake Johnson hole and temporary course ratings will be utilised. These adjustments are necessary to maintain the integrity and quality of your golfing experience throughout the development process.
We understand that these changes may bring some adjustments to your regular game, but we assure you that every effort is being made to minimise disruptions and ensure a seamless transition. Your patience and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated as we work towards creating an even better golfing environment for all our members.
Please stay tuned for further updates as construction progresses. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our club’s growth and improvement.
With the latest news, our development partner Partier are on the eve of lodging a Development Application for the Independent Living Units. I thought I should take some time to highlight the pending changes to our current 2nd, 4th, 5th, 9th and 18th holes. These changes are displayed in the Clubhouse as well as in the body of this newsletter.
The back nine will commence on the existing 6th, there is no change to this hole. On completion of the hole, you will wander down to the new 11th hole, which is situated behind the new 14th.
The new 11th is the combination of part of the current 4th and 5th holes. It will traverse around the big gum which currently cohabitates with the fairway bunker on the existing 4th and then you will trek down to the area where the current 5th green is situated. The dam will be slightly enlarged, and the green side dam wall raised and beautified.
The cart path currently adjacent to the green will be removed to allow the green to flow into the dam. The path repositioned on the left of the green, will provide an access to the 12th (existing 2nd hole) which will remain as is but will have a small creek installed at the base of the gully heading up to the green. The creek in part is an architectural design feature but also to weatherproof the course in that area. As we all saw in the big wet of 2022, this area was impassable. On playing the hole, players will need to decide on the reward for risk aspect when approaching the shot into the green.
The 14th hole is utilising the first third of the existing 4th hole and has been designed with a small pond protecting the front left-hand side of the green. This pond will be the water source for the wee burn that will flow across the gully on our existing 2nd. The long hitters will question, reward for risk at 290 metres. There will be a number of ways to play this hole. The green will slope back to front and will have bunkering at the rear to catch any long shots.
The existing 9th will be shaped into two holes. The first a par 4 measuring 307 metres played from the existing 9th tees, the green will be guarded by strategically placed bunkers.
Utilising the remaining parts of the existing 9th hole, the new 18th will be across the enlarged dam, measuring 129 metres and protected by the dam and bunkers at the rear. The design incorporates a bail out zone located on the right for those not wanting to take on the water.
The clubhouse terrace will be situated between the 9th and 18th greens, so expect many an afternoon cheering as players challenge the 18th hole across the great expanse of water.
The new 9th will be played from the existing 18th tee and the new hole will play 449 metres. The existing 18th green will be relocated and new bunkers created.
The Par for the new course when opened will be 70 and will measure 5532 metres or 6050 yards. The course will see several dams enlarged, a new pond, new bunkers and 3 new USGA standard greens built. The course’s make up will be 3 x par 5’s, 10 x par 4’s, and 5 x par 3’s. The final design will be subject to approval under a Development Application.
In the first half of 2024, work will commence on the construction of the temporary greens required to ensure we have a full 18 hole golf course during the Course Enabling works.
Temporary Course Design in Three Stages
There will be some disruption to the course over the period of the enabling works, and all efforts will be undertaken to provide members an enjoyable experience while we transition to the new course.
Preparations are now underway to build the four (4) temporary greens so the enabling works can commence once the Development Application is approved.
Stage 1 – Par 71
A new temporary green is to be constructed on the 2nd fairway prior to the rise leading to the existing green, to enable the trenching of the wee burn. The hole will play as a Par 4. The construction of the wee burn is highlighted in green and blue.
Stage 2 – Par 68
A new temporary green is to be situated on 9th fairway prior to the dip, to enable the construction works to commence on Lake Johnson. The 18th will play as a par 5, the constructions zone is highlighted in colour.
Stage 3 – Par 64
New temporaries constructed on the 4th and 18th fairway, to enable the construction works on the existing 4th and 5th holes to be undertaken. The temporary on the 2nd to be reinstated and a par 3 to the existing 2nd green created. The 5th hole will play as a par 3, the shorten 6th hole will be played as a par 3. The 9th will play as a par 4 and on finishing the hole, players will walk across to the shorten 10th hole as indicated by the blue dotted line. The construction zone is highlighted in colour.
The Board wish to thank you for your patience and engagement as we watch the future of Cumberland Country Golf Club develop.
Martin Smith
Chairman of the Greens Committee On behalf of the Board of Directors
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