Category: News

April ENews

COURSE WORKS:
We are fielding a number of questions about what’s happening with our Course Works.  Understandably we are all keen to get out and enjoy these sensational new holes.  The short answer is that we are being responsible and waiting until we are satisfied that the contracted works have been delivered as per the contract and greens have ‘grown in’ properly.  We’ve asked our CEO Andrew Laplain to give an update on the progress of works with his report provided below.  I will make the point that these major works really only commenced eight months ago and they’ve done such a lot in that time.

CART HIRE INCREASE:
Unfortunately, we’ve had to make a tough decision to increase the member cart hire fee by $5 from $35 to $40 effective from 8th April.  To date we have been absorbing the large increase in Lease Fees for the new fleet but with spiralling costs for everything else we’ve had to adjust the cart fees.  It may be little consolation, but we are running a fleet with the latest available comfort and technology, but it comes at a cost.  When other clubs come time to replace their fleet, I’m sure they’ll get a shock at how much the price of carts has gone up.

NSW CLUBS AWARDS
Last year we were a finalist in the prestigious ClubsNSW 2025 “Heart of the Community Award Category”.  We have been informed that this year we are a finalist in the “Sustainable Future Category” with a winner to be announced in June.

Once again, our Club has been acknowledged as being among the best in the State and that’s not just golf clubs but all licensed clubs.  The other finalists include Doyalson Wyee RSL, Pennant Hills GC, Wests Leagues, Cronulla RSL.  This nomination is indeed something for  all of us to be proud of.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS:
Pariter tell us that the take up of units in the first ILU block is going very well and they are on track to release sales on the second of the three blocks in Stage One soon.  They are also on track to commence construction on the ILUs and our new clubhouse later this year with an expected two years for completion.  This video link will take you to an update on the progress of the project.

Salus Cumberland – Project Update March 2026

WELL DONE LADIES

A special mention and congratulations to our Ladies Grade team who had an undefeated season to secure the Division 4 GolfNSW Women’s Grade Pennant for 2026.  Well done Ladies.  (Further detail in the Ladies Captain Report below)

On behalf of the Board and Management I’d like to wish you all a happy, holy and safe Easter.  Let’s hope the weekend brings us good weather, good golf and good company.  (and maybe some easter eggs)

Denis Clifford
Club President

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Firstly, thank you for your patience over the past nine months. It is genuinely exciting to say that the finish line is now within sight.

In the coming weeks, there will be some earthworks impacting play from the current 2nd tee. These works are required to facilitate construction of the 11th path and installation of additional drainage lines. Unfortunately, this could not be undertaken earlier due to several underground services that needed to be disconnected prior to commencement. Forward tees may be utilised during these works.

While the bulk of the course works are now nearing completion, there are still important finishing elements to be undertaken. This includes sand slit and herringbone drainage, which must occur post-construction to allow us to properly assess areas requiring additional drainage—such as the right-hand side of the new 14th hole. These works are weather-dependent, as dry conditions are required for effective installation.

A new concrete path connecting the 14th green to the 15th tee will also be constructed in the coming weeks. Work is schedule to start on these areas Tuesday following the long weekend. During this period, additional signage will be in place to safely direct both pedestrian and cart traffic around the works.

Encouragingly, most new fairways are now being cut to fairway height, along with green surrounds. Greens are being cut almost daily using walk-behind mowers and are beginning to present exceptionally well.

The haul road that currently allows trucks to cross over the 10th hole will be re-turfed shortly. A temporary crossover will remain in place while the new turf establishes.

While we have experienced some delays due to recent rainfall, overall progress remains strong, and all stakeholders are satisfied with the current position. The coming months are critical to the success of the project, with our Course Superintendent focusing on all aspects of turf health during the grow-in phase. During this time, we are, to some extent, in the hands of the weather.

With all carts now utilising the car park between the 1st and 10th tees, I ask that members take extra care in this area.

Finally, I’d like to provide a brief update on some external factors that are having an impact on the Club. Due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, we have been placed on restrictions for diesel fuel supply which limits our storge supply

At this stage, this has not impacted day-to-day course operations. However, like many industries, we are beginning to see flow-on effects through rising fuel costs. A number of our suppliers have introduced fuel levies, and these may fluctuate over time depending on market conditions.

While these increases are currently manageable, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and take a sensible, measured approach to managing costs where possible.

Over the past two days the greens are being cored and sanded, these works are critical to maintain the health of the greens and undertaken biannually. There will be residual sand on the greens for the remainer of the week. During the renovations window a contractor has been engaged to remove dead trees from the course. This will be an ongoing process.

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter

Andrew Laplain
CEO

Happy Easter members.  I hope you all have a safe and relaxing break over the coming long weekend. Another month of golf means another month of red-hot scoring! Congrats to all who conquered the golf course this month.

A Grade Medal – Raymond Wehbe (5) – 57
B Grade Medal – Zac Woolbridge (15) – 62C/B
C Grade Medal – Luka Wu (36) – 63C/B

Cumberland Bowl – Peter Kwyun (17) – 61

The Club Matchplay and Cock of the Walk have moved through the first rounds of their respective competitions with some excellent golf being played.  Congratulations to the winners so far.

Our Major Pennant Team has concluded their season finishing second in their group.  They secured three home wins and a half point at Macquarie Links which would have seen them play finals any other year.  Unfortunately, Long Reef had other plans when they beat Antill Park at Antill Park in the last round.  A huge shout out to Duncan Bowen who in his first year playing Majors went undefeated winning 6 from 6 games.

Note: This weekend is ‘Return to Cumberland’ when we look forward to seeing some familiar faces.

BOOKING IN over this Easter Weekend will be as per usual, 5pm in the clubhouse and 8pm online, Friday and Saturday.

Happy Golfing!
Shannon Bridger
Club Captain

LADIES PRESIDENT REPORT

On Tuesday 24th March we held the first Open Day, the Easter Open, for this year. Fortunately, even though rain was threatening, it remained fine with less humidity than we had been experiencing during prior weeks, all of which helped contribute to a very enjoyable day.  We had visitors from Castle Hill, Concord and Massey Park.

Many thanks must go to the team from Salus for their generous monetary contribution towards our raffle prizes. Your support is very much appreciated.

No golf this week due to course renovations, back again on Tuesday7th.  I predict the freshly cored greens will be somewhat slower than recent times!

Enjoy the Easter period ladies and see you on 7th April.

Barbara Cocks
Ladies President

LADIES CAPTAIN REPORT 

March has certainly been full on for our Ladies golf.  Both the Women’s Grade and Bronze I pennants competitions have concluded, and our St Patrick’s Day and Easter Open Day have been played and greatly enjoyed.

The Ladies Grade team capped off a stellar undefeated season, to secure the Division 4 GolfNSW Women’s Grade Pennant for 2026.

In a nail biting final round at Moore Park against Moore Park the team held strong and gave it their all. Congratulations girls on an outstanding win, not seen since 2009. Our victorious team – Jacinta Toberty, Eunmi Pyun, Jessica Kim, Su Jin Yoo, Soon Lee and Fiona Yoon. Thank you to the support and encouragement from the team caddies and for their big contribution in the players success. Bring on next year in Division 3!

The WD Bronze I team also wrapped up their season at Brighton Lakes on 27/3, coming in 5th position overall.  The girls are already strategising for next year and preparing for a strong come back!

Thank you to this years players – Diane Nam, Seo Jeong Park, Helen Cho, Julie Kim, Grace Kim, Liz Kim, Hyun Joo Jung, Gyeongmi Han and Maria Golden and team manager Tricia Johnston.  Thanks as well to the many caddies who give up their Mondays and Fridays to provide motivation and assistance to the team.

Plenty of fun was had on our St Patrick’s Day and Easter Open Day events. Everyone got into the spirit and dressed in their Irish colours and their Easter Bunny outfits.  Thank you to Ladies President Barb Cocks and the team of volunteers who help to decorate the dining area and tables to make these events so special.

Up coming events for April:

7/4- 2nd round Captains Trophy.
14/4 & 28/4 rounds for the Presidents Trophy.
28/4- Cumberland Friendship and Invitation Day.

Team nomination for the Ladies NDPC Bronze II pennant is underway GA hcp 23.0+ Cumberland is the current trophy holder and defending Club for 2026.  Please see me if you are available to play, kicks off May 1st.

Good golfing Ladies!
Tracey Hilton (Ladies Captain)

Hi Members,

There’s plenty happening in the Cumberland Pro Shop this April with new gear, great specials, upcoming events and of course the US Masters.

TaylorMade Promotion – WIN A DRIVER
Purchase a 7-piece set of TaylorMade irons and go into the draw to WIN A NEW Qi4D DRIVER. Winner will be Drawn 10th April

Masters Specials – 1st April till 30th April
• 20% OFF all Apparel
• 20% OFF all Golf Bags

NEW In Store – MGI E-BOOST Buggy
A first-of-its-kind buggy with a hidden motor that provides an extra boost at the press of a button while keeping the feel of a classic push buggy.
• RRP $899 – Our Price only $799

New Ladies Demo Clubs have arrived
Ping GLE Ladies demo clubs now available. Come in and try them on the course.

Titleist GT Ex-Demo Deals
• Drivers – $699
• Fairway Woods – $399

FREE Putter Fitting – April Only
Thinking about improving your putting?
For the month of April we are offering FREE 30-minute putter fittings with our team.

School Holiday Golf Clinic
Looking for an activity for the kids / grandkids in the School Holidays, why not book them in for a day of FUN with Alex.
Date – 14th April
Time – 9am – 3pm

Thinking about new clubs?
Book a club fitting with one of our professionals to make sure you get the perfect setup.

We look forward to seeing you in the Pro Shop.

The Team at Banners Golf

Web: www.bannersgolf.com.au

Thank You To all Our Sponsors for their support!

Pennant News

PENNANT NEWS

Major Pennant Report – Round 6 vs Macquarie Links Golf Club
Round 6 commenced with all positions in the section still in play, with Cumberland a chance to finish anywhere from first to fourth depending on the results of both matches. A strong home win was required to keep top spot hopes alive.
The opening nine holes were fiercely contested, with no separating the two teams at the turn. Cumberland secured the first completed match through Sean Moylan’s convincing win, before Macquarie Links responded to level the contest.

From there, the results seesawed as both sides traded crucial victories. The final outcome came down to Isaak Pemble, who showed outstanding composure under pressure. Trailing by one with two holes to play, Isaak won the 17th and 18th holes to turn a potential loss into a clutch 1up win, securing the team victory on the final green.
Match Highlights
•  Duncan Bowen continued his outstanding form with a hard fought 2&1 victory to finish the year undefeated– an outstanding achievement in his rookie season.
•  Jordan Ross delivered an impressive 6&5 victory and also capped off an excellent debut season, winning 4 of his 6 matches.
•  Isaak Pemble’s late surge, winning the final two holes, sealed a valuable home victory for Cumberland, also leaving him with 4 wins from 6 starts playing at number 1.
•  Sean Moylan produced a commanding 6&4 win, setting the tone early and providing Cumberland with crucial momentum.

Final Result
Cumberland 4 defeated Macquarie Links 3

It was a pleasing home result, highlighted by several strong performances. Unfortunately, Long Reef’s away win against Antill Park saw them top the section, with Cumberland finishing the 2026 season in second place and remaining in Division 3 for 2027.
A sincere thank you to all the caddies whose continued support plays an important role in the team’s success.
Individual Results
1. Isaak Pemble – won 1up
2. Joshua Russo – lost 2&1
3. Duncan Bowen – won 2&1
4. Jordan Ross – won 6&5
5. Hayden Smith – lost 1dn
6. Joshua Madeleine – lost 4&2
7. Sean Moylan – won 6&4

The team would also like to extend their gratitude to all the family, friends, and members who came out to support us throughout the season.
Your support and encouragement is genuinely appreciated and always makes a difference.
Matt Andrew
Team Manager
Women’s Grade Round 2 – Cumberland vs Mona Vale at Penrith GC 20/2/26
The team enjoyed a later start this morning at Penrith GC against traditionally tough opponents- Mona Vale.
With the vital support of their caddies, congratulations go to our girls winning 3:2!
Individual scores
Jacinta Toberty won 3/2
Eunmi Pyun lost 3/1
Soon Lee lost 6/4
SuJin Yoo won 3/2
Jessica Kim won 2 up
Next Friday the team take on Woolooware at Mona Vale GC.
Go team Cumberland!!
Tracey Hilton
Ladies Captain

Golf Course Enabling Works – CEO Update

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

Development Approval

Development Update – Construction of Temporary Greens

Dear Members,

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.

Martin Smith
Chairman of Greens

Development Update – Golf Course Enabling Works

Dear Members,

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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