Clive Palmer closes gates to Palmer Coolum Resort’s golf course

CLIVE Palmer’s Sunshine Coast resort has sunk further into the rough with all golf suddenly cancelled as the mining magnate battles defiant unit holders.

The tycoon and federal politician shut the Palmer Coolum Resort in March after the former five-star tourism gem suffered a massive slump in visitation.

A major refurbishment and redevelopment program was announced, but this has yet to materialise.

The prestige golf course remained open, however, until this week.

The front gates to the 150ha property are now locked and being patrolled by security officers.

Staff sources say the golf course is only expected to be out of action for a week.

The action is believed to be linked to the ongoing arm wrestle Mr Palmer is having with unit holders in the resort.

It coincides with Annual General Meetings being held by owner groups.

Some owners are angry at being locked out of their units and losing entitlements associated with them.

One owner said the closure of the golf course was another example of Mr Palmer “spitting the dummy”.

Mr Palmer declined to comment on the golf club closure or dispute.

He purchased the former Hyatt Regency Coolum in 2011 and promised to inject $2 billion into the seaside property and take tourism on the Sunshine Coast to new heights.

His vision for a high-rise beach hotel, theme park and casino gained no traction and the creation of a dinosaur park and motor museum failed to fill hotel rooms.