Gold Coasts Grand Golf Course offers corporate membership ? for $110k

THE SE Queensland corporate sector is being offered an entree into a slice of Gold Coast golfing heaven.

For the first time, the Grand Golf Club at Gilston is offering a limited number of exclusive corporate memberships to a course which, for almost two decades, has maintained its strict “members only” agenda.

Limited to five in total, a corporate membership of the Grand will allow the business sector entry behind the gates of a club that, until now, has remained a secret known only to the affluent elite.

The exclusive club is also about to put up the “Sold” sign — just under 30 memberships are available, for $25,000 each.

That provides personal security card entry and access to a fleet of golf carts; no tee times, booking requirements or green fees; an a-la-carte restaurant; and luxury limo service.

The Grand was established by Japanese investors who, in 1990, commissioned superstar Greg Norman to design a $30 million golf course, opened it for one day and then, due to insufficient funds, closed its gates.

In 1996, a consortium of eight well-heeled businessmen purchased the venue and recommissioned Norman — he remains number one ticket holder — to upgrade his original design.

Their brief — design the most exclusive and private golf club in Australia, a “truly elite” place where only members and their guests can tee off, at any time, on a whim, without having to book.

The Grand is unique to Australia, wholly owned by members who buy shares which give them full voting rights and ownership of the land and clubhouse, not just membership, with numbers capped at 555.

The Grand counts among its members billionaires and captains of industry, sport and entertainment — tycoon Kerry Packer, pubs and pokies baron Bruce Mathieson, motor racing legend Mick Doohan, hair mogul Stefan, champion jockey Mick Dittman, mining industry doyen Don Argus, Sirromet Wines founder Terry Morris, and Sir Geoff Hurst, the first and only player to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup.

Club president Sid Sarantis said six executives of the corporate member are nominated to hold a membership card which delivers full member benefits, aside from voting rights, for three years.

Each corporate member cardholder can introduce up to three guests.

“That flexibility means a company can organise its own mini-tournament with clients and business partners for up to 24 people,” Mr Sarantis said.

SOURCE: GC Bulletin