Muswellbrook Golf Club is set to rejuvenate significant parts of its course and club facilities after securing around $1 million in funding from the NSW Government Regional Communities Development Fund.

Muswellbrook Shire Council also awarded the club a grant of $300,000, and another $250,000 is coming from the RSL, bringing the total amount slated for works to around $1.6 million.

The funds will go to a new automated course irrigation system,  new women’s rest rooms, junior golf driving range, perimeter safety fencing, and to some new squash courts.

Deputy Premier and Minsiter for Regional NSW John Barilaro was on hand for the announcement yesterday at Muswellbrook Golf Club, alongside Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen, Club CEO Daryl Egan, and President Barry Eveleigh.

Mr Barilaro said the contribution was one of the largest the government had ever made in a regional area and praised the club’s foresight.

“To get the money, you have got have a vision, you’ve got to have a plan, and you’ve got to be ahead of the curve.

“We’re looking for projects that are ready to go and the club was in exactly that space so well done.

“It’s wonderful news, congratulations to you and all the work you do as golfers and in the community,.

“Investing in regional NSW does more than just improve lifestyles, it makes towns great places to live, work and play.

“We are providing regional towns with world class facilities which boost participation, improve health levels and encourages people to socialise through sport, have fun and enjoy themselves,” The Deputy Premier said.

Member for the Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said the funding was a significant win for the local community.

“This is a huge boost to our community’s health and fitness levels and we’ll encourage lapsed golfers to dust off their clubs and attract new social and competition squash players of all ages.

“This investment is also a shot in the arm for local business with the new facilities enabling bookings for corporate, charity and competition tournaments and invitationals,” Mr Johnsen said.

Club CEO Daryl Egan said it had been a whirlwind 12 months for the organisation, with the ownership of the course switching to the Muswellbrook RSL, and the funds would go a long way to securing the facility’s future in the regional town.

“We are the only 18-hole public golf course in the Upper Hunter region.

“We are pushing tourism and would love to create more golfing events, including a week of Golf, even a Pro-Am, which we hope to hold later this year,” Mr Egan said.

Picture: From Left Club CEO Daryl Egan, Upper hunter MP Michael Johnsen, Deputy Premier John Barilaro, and Golf Club President Barry Eveleigh ate the announcement.