Tropics Golf Club eyes off a brighter future with major tournament in 2019

But there is hope those years of turmoil are in the past as the newly-branded Tropics Golf Club eyes off a brighter future.

Changes of ownership had dotted the facility over the past few years but new head PGA professional Matthew Duke was full of confidence in the path the new owners were taking.

Mr Duke was returning to the course, having worked as a professional at the club from 2006 to 2011, before he said the facility descended into “rubble” and changed hands multiple times.

He said the club had been “on its knees” before the new owners took charge.

“It was on the slide to ground zero,” Mr Duke said.

The new owners have secured two million litres of recycled effluent water every day for a decade to ensure pristine playing conditions, while a new cafe, golf centre and full bar has opened up at the revamped club.

Mr Duke said a hectic works schedule over the past year had seen flood mitigation measures introduced, irrigation repaired, bunkers opened up and all 18 greens readied for play.

He said there was a “real positive buzz” about members and the public, who were able to access the privately-owned club.

The upgraded facilities will be tested out on August 11 and 12, when the PVW Men’s Tropics Open Championship is contested, with $10,000 in cash and prizes on offer.

Internationally-renowned designer Graham Marsh was currently working on modifications to finetune the 18-hole championship course.