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View Full Version : Kooralbyn Closed, New Champs Venue



AndyP
18th July 2008, 07:13 AM
Urgent, urgent, crappy news.

A source I know in the golf industry heard yesterday that Kooralbyn has closed its doors.

"Apparently there is a golf group there at the moment and a wedding on Saturday and thats it. The groundstaff have apparently already been finished up and there is no plan to try and save the place."

I am assured that it is true, however I have not confirmed with the club. Perhaps someone would like to do that today (I'm not in Brisbane ATM).

This is not the news we want to hear four months out from the Champs. Firstly, I hope deposits paid are not lost. Secondly, the hunt for a new venue begins......

--------------
Update: Course is definitely closing. Ring ASAP to try to get your deposits back.
New champs details: http://www.ozgolf.net/forums/showthread.php?t=10360

sms316
18th July 2008, 07:16 AM
I booked for the accomodation under the $149 deal and they took the booking as per normal. This must have come out of the blue.

They didn't charge me for a deposit.

BrisVegas
18th July 2008, 07:16 AM
holy crap batman!

back to the Tweed ?

AndyP
18th July 2008, 07:22 AM
Vegas, as much as the Tweed is the option we'd love to fall back on, they can't accommodate us on the Saturday.

BrisVegas
18th July 2008, 07:24 AM
i'll be impressed if we can find anything close to the package we had at kooralbyn... just had a quick look at the radisson palm meadows and it's $160-170 pp twin share for 1 night and 18 holes....

http://www.radisson.com/reservation/rateSearch.do?dateFormat=MM%2Fdd%2Fyyyy&rateSearchForm.hotelCode=AUSPALM+&rateSearchForm.promotionalCode=PLAYL&rateSearchForm.rateUni=&rateSearchForm.checkinDate=11%2F07%2F2008&rateSearchForm.checkoutDate=11%2F09%2F2008&rateSearchForm.numberRooms=1&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B0%5D.numberAdults=2&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B0%5D.numberChildren =0&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B1%5D.numberAdults=1&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B1%5D.numberChildren =0&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B2%5D.numberAdults=1&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B2%5D.numberChildren =0&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B3%5D.numberAdults=1&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B3%5D.numberChildren =0&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B4%5D.numberAdults=1&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B4%5D.numberChildren =0&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B5%5D.numberAdults=1&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B5%5D.numberChildren =0&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B6%5D.numberAdults=1&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B6%5D.numberChildren =0&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B7%5D.numberAdults=1&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B7%5D.numberChildren =0&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B8%5D.numberAdults=1&rateSearchForm.occupancyForm%5B8%5D.numberChildren =0

Jarro
18th July 2008, 07:29 AM
holy crap batman!

back to the Tweed ?

Sounds like a plan 8)

Sad to hear that the place is closing down (if it is indeed true)

poidda
18th July 2008, 07:31 AM
Bugger. Ocean Shores, Tweed combo if Tweed can't do Satdy.

AndyP
18th July 2008, 07:33 AM
Spitballing:
Are we tied to the Gold Coast/Brisbane? Or is the Sunshine Coast an option?
Perhaps we could still base ourselves at Tweed, play elsewhere on the Saturday (Murwillumbah, Resort Course, etc) and play at CTH on the Sunday?

sms316
18th July 2008, 07:36 AM
How about Canberra?

Seriously don't care where it is, as long as it is within driving distance from Brisbane/GC.

sms316
18th July 2008, 07:38 AM
There may well be some truth to it - there doesn't seem to be much available for accomodation bookings on their website. Nothing mentioned though.

BrisVegas
18th July 2008, 07:45 AM
Spitballing:
Are we tied to the Gold Coast/Brisbane? Or is the Sunshine Coast an option?

Aren't there people already flying into Coolangatta airport? There are package deals around at Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast courses, but we might be tied to the Gold Coast due to travel plans already made....

kpac
18th July 2008, 07:50 AM
robina/colonial would be a viable option....
are we sure about this kooralbyn thing..... sounds a bit he said she said sort of thing...

sms316
18th July 2008, 07:53 AM
Just spoke to Kooralbyn and the rumour is true. They are shutting the doors on Sunday.

Anybody who has made a deposit needs to ring them ASAP.

kpac
18th July 2008, 08:04 AM
rumour is true. .

:shock: sh|t!!

Courty
18th July 2008, 08:10 AM
Jeezus!

My airfares are booked into Brisbane, but the Coast is fine by me.

BrisVegas
18th July 2008, 08:23 AM
Could Pac Harbour handle us on a Saturday/Sunday? If they're anything like Brookwater (with 200-300 members) they won't have a problem with the afternoon tee times....

Webster
18th July 2008, 08:25 AM
Damn, this is very bad news....

sms316
18th July 2008, 08:28 AM
91 staff given 3 days notice. Very poor form.

3oneday
18th July 2008, 08:34 AM
Demographics are strange, there are two new courses opening in Sydney in the next 12 months (that I know of)... I wonder what the issues are.

BrisVegas
18th July 2008, 08:39 AM
Kooralbyn is miles from anywhere. An hour at least from either Brisbane or Gold Coast via crappy roads.

poidda
18th July 2008, 08:46 AM
91 staff given 3 days notice. Very poor form.

I wonder if they'll strike?!?!

poidda
18th July 2008, 08:47 AM
Also, does this mean free golf for a few days until it get's over grown?

Courty
18th July 2008, 08:50 AM
:neutral:

Coffs_Hacker
18th July 2008, 08:55 AM
Coffs harbour / Bonville..... Will throw in a 20% off meal deal :)

Scottt
18th July 2008, 08:55 AM
Do they still have the school there?

PeteyD
18th July 2008, 09:21 AM
Damn. That is very suckworthy and disappointing. Wonder if they are selling it.

LarryLong
18th July 2008, 09:36 AM
91 staff given 3 days notice. Very poor form.

Very poor form.

I'm not a golf course manager, but 91 seems like a lot of staff for a golf course - do they have a hotel up there or something as well?

Maybe they just weren't running things very efficiently?

PeteyD
18th July 2008, 09:37 AM
Someone call Shavey, he might be able to do a deal.

PeteyD
18th July 2008, 09:37 AM
It is a resort Larry, Hotel, Spa etc as well.

PeteyD
18th July 2008, 09:39 AM
Made a few frantic calls this morning.

Heres an option.
Sat arvo from 11:30 off two tees at Sanctuary Cove Palms. $69
Sun morning at Hope Island $110.

So theres $180 for golf....someone needs to suss out accom in the area.

We realise its going to be more exy than KV but how much are we willing to go to ?

I'm also telling them 35-45 players...will anyone bail if its now on the Goldie ?

Someone might want to open a new champs thread.

Is Hope Island on the Sunday a Good Idea? ;)

We could stay at the dodgy hotel near Dreamworld?

BrisVegas
18th July 2008, 09:43 AM
Heres an option.
Sat arvo from 11:30 off two tees at Sanctuary Cove Palms. $69
Sun morning at Hope Island $110.

So theres $180 for golf....someone needs to suss out accom in the area.


sounds good to me mate. Hope Island is the best course on the gold coast and has a nice finishing stretch. The Palms is a nice easy course to get the champs started.

I got no idea about accom in the area.

sms316
18th July 2008, 09:48 AM
Sounds good. It's not all about the golf is it?

Courty
18th July 2008, 09:55 AM
Sounds good. All those in favour?

PeteyD
18th July 2008, 09:55 AM
Sounds brilliant dicky.

sms316
18th July 2008, 09:59 AM
Sounds good. All those in favour?
Aye.

PeteyD
18th July 2008, 10:01 AM
Yea, 2 great courses as well.

poidda
18th July 2008, 10:09 AM
way to take control dickie

sms316
18th July 2008, 10:10 AM
You Have Got To Be Shitting Me.....i've Made All These Phonecalls Asking For Nov 15 And 16.....its The ****ing 8th And 9th.

****..back To Square 1.
:smt038:lol::smt038:lol::smt038:lol::smt038:lol::s mt038:lol::smt038:lol::smt038

poidda
18th July 2008, 10:10 AM
You Have Got To Be Shitting Me.....i've Made All These Phonecalls Asking For Nov 15 And 16.....its The ****ing 8th And 9th.

****..back To Square 1.

hahaha. what to **** things up dickie. ;)

PeteyD
18th July 2008, 10:13 AM
Well done Dicky.

Courty
18th July 2008, 10:15 AM
Phew! Disaster averted! ;)

markTHEblake
18th July 2008, 11:17 AM
Why not consider a CTH and Murwillumbah Double?

$180 for greenfees is going to turn quite a few people off.

BrisVegas
18th July 2008, 11:21 AM
Why not consider a CTH and Murwillumbah Double?

$180 for greenfees is going to turn quite a few people off.

but it's not... It was $70 + $60 which is $130.....

half share of room was $75, so $205 total. Sounds cheap enuff.

markTHEblake
18th July 2008, 11:24 AM
I must have missed somethin. Hope Island is $110?

ok. yep. seems i did.

Cant even imagine Moneybags dick even contemplated $110

AndyP
18th July 2008, 11:44 AM
Are we hitting off the back tees? :P

Fantastic work again, Rich. You're a champion.

Unfortunately I can't do much from my end as I'm on the Sunshine Coast with restricted net access.

Iain
18th July 2008, 12:00 PM
Holy crap batman!!

Nice work Dicky...

poidda
18th July 2008, 12:10 PM
Yeah and if anyone complains about the few extra bucks, just think of the money we'll save on petrol! ;)

BrisVegas
18th July 2008, 12:20 PM
Yeah and if anyone complains about the few extra bucks, just think of the money we'll save on petrol! ;)

you're only saying that because you just bought a 2.3 tonne 4WD!

sms316
18th July 2008, 12:29 PM
We could all stay here. $2200 between all of us.

http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2008/07/for-rent-big-brother-house.html

PeteyD
18th July 2008, 12:38 PM
KV and the gold coast are about the same distance.

poidda
18th July 2008, 12:41 PM
Careful there poidda..you may want to re-read the middle part of post #40.

So we cold end up making money?

poidda
18th July 2008, 12:41 PM
you're only saying that because you just bought a 2.3 tonne 4WD!

haha.

Anyone wanna carpool?

goughy
18th July 2008, 02:09 PM
Holy ****ing shit a bricks!!!! Was it just a fluke you heard about this AP? And G-man, marvelous effort by you to get it back on track in no time at all. In fact, you've always kept the champs on track, even when you weren't there. Thanks mate!

I don't believe any of those things people say about you ;) :)

Eag's
18th July 2008, 02:46 PM
Bummer about KV but love Rich's plan, bring it on!! :smt023

jaybam
18th July 2008, 02:54 PM
Dicky you are a dead set legend. For today anyway. If all this goes through i will be the first to buy you a beer on the champs weekend for all the effort you went to today.All i need now is some one to room with. Dont think my mate will come down to the coast as his not a huge fan so will take him off the list. Any people need a room mate let me know i will be keen. Cheers :)

Courty
18th July 2008, 04:46 PM
Any people need a room mate let me know i will be keen. Cheers :)

:smt006

AndyP
18th July 2008, 05:16 PM
Was it just a fluke you heard about this AP? No, I was told with our Champs in mind. Great stuff, as who knows when we would have found out otherwise. Would KV have made the call to us?

jaybam
18th July 2008, 05:19 PM
Cool Courty looks like we are room mates then as long as you dont mind.As soon as its finalised we wil book a room ok.

AndyP
18th July 2008, 05:20 PM
It depends on where it is. Those 3 bed options might change things.

jaybam
18th July 2008, 05:22 PM
Thats cool if its a three bedder we can have another in :)

Courty
18th July 2008, 05:29 PM
Cool Courty looks like we are room mates then as long as you dont mind.As soon as its finalised we wil book a room ok.

:-s Don't mind what? You got some weird fetish or habits I should know about? :p


It depends on where it is. Those 3 bed options might change things.

The more the merrier!

jaybam
18th July 2008, 05:56 PM
Dont drink and dont smoke and the wife says i dont snore. I am the designated driver all the time too as i dont drink. So i could almost be called the perfect room mate :)

peter_rs
18th July 2008, 06:02 PM
What about a Royal Pines stay and play thingo?

Shaz and i went down there recently with a golfing group of 20 and it was 160pp (including breaky and a round of golf). They had a 24hr bar open and pool tables and didn't mind us playing up. Highly recommended. So we could play there for one day and maybe another option for the other round is Gold Coast Burleigh Golf Course (probably have to be a sunday round though - cazandpaul may be able to let us know about availability). Might reduce the price a bit too.

Pending that, play Colonial, stay at radisson and then play palmy on the sunday (no travelling with a hangover! :)) I'm sure the radisson would look after us no end (with an insider ;))

markTHEblake
18th July 2008, 06:02 PM
Dicky lives walking distance to the golf courses, we could all bunk in at his house. His missus wont mind considering some of the scumbags he has invited over in the past (from other forums)

BrisWesty
19th July 2008, 05:03 AM
Well done folks. Would have been fun turning up to KV and cutting our own grass!

markTHEblake
20th July 2008, 08:47 PM
In case nobody trusted Andyp..... :-)
BTW thanks to Rob for letting you/us know.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24048383-3102,00.html

The iconic Kooralbyn resort and golf course, south of Brisbane, has closed down indefinitely after almost 30 years of operation. It's now in liquidation.
Resort golf professional and manager Barry West sent an email to golf industry contacts yesterday advising Kooralbyn had gone into liquidation.

"It is with great regret that it is my last day at Kooralbyn after over 15 years of service," West wrote.

"The resort and golf course close down tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon and will remain closed until further notice.

"Kooralbyn has had its ups and downs over the years but (it) going into liquidation on Thursday morning did catch me by surprise."

The resort, south of Beaudesert, confirmed by phone this morning it had closed "indefinitely" and would not be taking bookings for accommodation or golf.
The original Kooralbyn project started in 1979 and became became a subsidiary of AGC, Australia's largest financier.

On October 1, 1987, Kooralbyn was sold to Kooralbyn Valley Pty Ltd, subsidiary and Towa Khamuten Co. Ltd of Tokyo, Japan. A new hotel complex was added in 1991.

On October 1 1997, Kiwi International Hotels Australasia, took over the hotel and lodge accommodation, 18-holes championship golf course, tennis complex and the large equestrian complex which included two polo fields, racetrack, stables and paddocks.

AndyP
21st July 2008, 07:58 AM
BTW thanks to Rob for letting you/us know.Who?

markTHEblake
21st July 2008, 05:02 PM
Heard a good story yesterday from a golfer I played against, who knows his way around the traps.

Not so long ago, Greg Norman flew into Kooralbyn and offered $4M for the lot (course+hotel+whatever) and they knocked it back, upping it to something like $8-10M

Now as the resort has been put into Liquidation according to the news report, that suggests that it is going to be sold at virtually any price.

With recent interest from the likes of Norman, perhaps Kooralbyn is not dead yet.

Moe Norman
21st July 2008, 06:06 PM
He upped his offer, but it had a few conditions on it.

(regarding rezoning of surrounding land...)

markTHEblake
21st July 2008, 06:15 PM
Greg has been busy the last few days i think. you got any more info you can add?

Moe Norman
21st July 2008, 06:24 PM
A developer, namely Medallist is trying to buy it. Peet & Co have bought a truckload of land out that way recently and its now an area of significant interest for acquisitions of broadacre land holdings by developers.

Medallist do golf course estates, you work it out.

markTHEblake
21st July 2008, 06:31 PM
ta, I thought it was unlikely the golf course would never be mowed again. especially considering the massive spread of residential in that direction over the next decade or so. It might have been a long way away when it was born but anything 60 mins from gold coast or brisbane is not far at all.

Moe Norman
21st July 2008, 06:51 PM
I think you are misinterpreting what I meant.

It is my understanding that Medallist would retain the course if they buy it, and perhaps already have options over the surrounding land.

Thus, the conditional purchase would be relating to rezoning of the land surrounding to have a golf course estate, like Brookwater as an example. (also developed by Medallist)

markTHEblake
21st July 2008, 06:53 PM
yep thats what i thought you meant.

PeteyD
21st July 2008, 06:54 PM
It sort of is a golf course estate already, although not on the scale of something like Brookwater.

jaybam
21st July 2008, 07:17 PM
They still have retained two of their greens keepers to keep it in a semi reasonable condition till such time as they know whats going to happen. Have a friend who is a member out there and told me this.

markTHEblake
21st July 2008, 09:31 PM
rats, there goes sneaking on the course for a free game or two.

It might end up like the Glades - that joint was maintained for 4-5 years before someone ever played there.

Grunt
22nd July 2008, 05:08 AM
Isn't Medallist the company that Norman always uses for his courses? Maybe they will take it over.

gazgolf1
22nd July 2008, 05:47 AM
rats, there goes sneaking on the course for a free game or two.


Jesus blake does your tightarsness know no bounds?

Moe Norman
22nd July 2008, 06:41 AM
Isn't Medallist the company that Norman always uses for his courses? Maybe they will take it over.
somebody give him a lollipop!

Eag's
22nd July 2008, 06:54 AM
Jesus blake does your tightarsness know no bounds?

:lol: leave him alone mate Blake is the last of the big spenders :roll:

BrisVegas
22nd July 2008, 07:01 AM
If Medallist (Macquarie & Shark joint venture) get involved they'd want to do it as part of a much larger scale "town centre". They need a decent population base around it as it wont work on it's own as a tourist/play n stay type setup.

Brookwater was done as part of the Greater Springfield planned community, which they say will have 60,000+ residents within 20 years. There's plenty of land out that way, so I cant see why the wouldn't plan something similar for Kooralbyn Valley.

PeteyD
22nd July 2008, 07:36 AM
It is a bit more i nthe middle of no where than Springfield was, but when KV opened there was nothing (in way of residences etc) between Browns Plains and Beaudesert.

Jarro
22nd July 2008, 08:13 AM
So this'll probably mean we'll never be able to play KV again for less than $100 :roll:

PeteyD
22nd July 2008, 08:14 AM
That seems likely, unfortunately. although heading out this week could get a free game walking :D

dc68
22nd July 2008, 08:34 AM
walking :D


Fugg that!!!!!!

BrisVegas
22nd July 2008, 08:45 AM
So this'll probably mean we'll never be able to play KV again for less than $100 :roll:

wasn't it $60 or $70 anyway for the Copperhead? Already overpriced for the condition it has been in for 10+ years.

PeteyD
22nd July 2008, 08:45 AM
Your legs can do it dave ;)

$50 with a Cart. Might have been $7 or $10 to play in the comp as well. Doesn;t really matter now.

shavey
22nd July 2008, 09:15 AM
OK, after speaking with G69 who is away on assignment (drinking and golfing whilst at the turf conference in Melb!) I would like to propose the following...

Saturday - Colonial from 11:00am - $50 Mega, $60 Non
Accommodation - Radisson at $150 twin share B&B
Sunday - Palm Meadows from 8:00am - price TBA ($75??)

If anybody has a problem with this, forever hold your peace...

PeteyD
22nd July 2008, 09:17 AM
Lock it in.

Eag's
22nd July 2008, 09:20 AM
End of debate good work Shavey :smt023

BrisVegas
22nd July 2008, 10:00 AM
sounds great shavey. slightly off-topic... what's the room rate if only one golfer in the room and a non-golfing spouse?

PeteyD
22nd July 2008, 10:06 AM
I think the $150 is per room, and not dependant on golf as it doesn't include golf?

Bruce
22nd July 2008, 10:13 AM
And Friday night rates?

BrisVegas
22nd July 2008, 10:14 AM
I think the $150 is per room, and not dependant on golf as it doesn't include golf?

ahh yes of course, thanks pete. Too busy, not paying attention etc etc....

peter_rs
22nd July 2008, 10:28 AM
love your work.

shavey
22nd July 2008, 11:32 AM
Thanks for answering the question for me lads...

BV, we have a day spa on site and more than happy to email through some details if you need to rack up the brownie points! :)

poidda
22nd July 2008, 11:58 AM
OK, after speaking with G69 who is away on assignment (drinking and golfing whilst at the turf conference in Melb!) I would like to propose the following...

Saturday - Colonial from 11:00am - $50 Mega, $60 Non
Accommodation - Radisson at $150 twin share B&B
Sunday - Palm Meadows from 8:00am - price TBA ($75??)

If anybody has a problem with this, forever hold your peace...

I see a problem! :shock:

shavey
22nd July 2008, 12:00 PM
Man up lady bird.. you'll be teeing of last anyway :)

PeteyD
22nd July 2008, 12:00 PM
Nancy. Play well on Satdee and you won't be teeing off at 8:00.

markTHEblake
22nd July 2008, 06:04 PM
Jesus blake does your tightarsness know no bounds?

dunno, but everytime i throw out a line like that, I catch the same old fish everytime.

gazgolf1
22nd July 2008, 06:12 PM
dunno, but everytime i throw out a line like that, I catch the same old fish everytime.

I just don't believe its a line.

markTHEblake
22nd July 2008, 06:18 PM
See thats how well it works.

markTHEblake
24th July 2008, 09:22 AM
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/07/22/13971_gold-coast-business.html

THE doors may have been shut at the Kooralbyn Hotel Resort yesterday but hopes were high that a buyer could soon be found for the troubled property.

The Gold Coast Bulletin reported on Saturday that the resort's owner, Kooralbyn International Resorts, was placed into liquidation last week. It has reported debts of $60 million.

However, according to sources within the tight-knit community south of Beaudesert, buyers have begun circling the company's assets, which include the hotel, a 36-room golf lodge, golf course, tennis centre, polo fields and equestrian centre.

Kooralbyn Reality's Shane Zagami said it was business as usual on the streets of Kooralbyn yesterday, despite the resort closure and the loss of about 70 jobs.

He said the closure of the golf course presented the biggest worry for some people, with Kooralbyn a favourite haunt for weekend hackers.

Kooralbyn International Resorts last year took control of the course, causing a revolt which led to two-thirds of members of the Kooralbyn Valley Golf Club splitting from the proposed new Kooralbyn Resort Golf Club.

Some members yesterday were hopeful that the original members may come back into the fold under a new owner.

Mr Zagami said he had heard there were 'several buyers in the wind' for the resort. "We're very optimistic it will re-open and very quickly," he said.

Liquidator Peter Lucas, of PA Lucas and Co in Brisbane, was appointed to wind up the company last Wednesday.

Mr Lucas did not return calls yesterday.

Kooralbyn International Resorts is controlled by former New Zealand businessmen Ray Schofield who bought the resort for $12 million in 1997 from troubled Japanese company Towa Resorts.

Kooralbyn International Hotels has had a troubled past, fending off a winding up application in 2004 by the Australian Taxation Office.

Jarro
24th July 2008, 09:27 AM
Here's hoping they can get someone to take over the place ... it really is a great course/venue.

damoocow
24th July 2008, 09:30 AM
so Champs 2009 could be a goer back there !

markTHEblake
24th July 2008, 09:35 AM
I contacted a mate of mine who knows everyone in golf, he hasn't heard anything about anyone buying it. He made some interesting comments about the place that I hadnt heard before.

* it has always been a white elephant, he doesnt think anyone would buy it (but he only knows the golfers not developers)
* originally the course was better, but the owners reduced some doglegs and filled in bunkers cos they thought it was too hard
* The orginal site for the clubhouse was never built and the 16th became the first.
* The greenkeeper who looked after Palm Meadows and Kooralbyn ruined both becuase he didnt believe in weed spray

PeteyD
24th July 2008, 09:46 AM
The original clubhouse would have overlooked the 15th green, which was to be the 18th. I did have an old 'courses of Australia' book which had it in it's original format (makes me wonder if the author actaully looked at the course). And was a hell of a hole off the back with Persimmon woods. I do remember the course being a hell of a lot harder, but I was 15 at the time. I think some of the black Copperhead tees in use now were not in use back then.

I know they played a women's tour event out there very early on (soon after opening), but the problems with broadcasting from where it was, and the way the course meandered meant it never attracted another tournament.

Bruce
24th July 2008, 09:50 AM
I have a shocking memory. Does that mean the clubhouse was supposed to be where that XXXX sign was?

BrisVegas
24th July 2008, 09:55 AM
15 would be a better finishing hole than the current 18th. From memory g69 got up and down for par from behind that big XXXX sign....

PeteyD
24th July 2008, 09:57 AM
Yea on a hill overlooking the green after the double water carry. the 16th (an easy downhill par 4, with red markers on the right side but no water) was the original 1st. Not 100% on the routing after that, but I think 17, old 18, then old 1 - 15.

PeteyD
24th July 2008, 09:58 AM
15 would be a better finishing hole than the current 18th. From memory g69 got up and down for par from behind that big XXXX sign....

It was about 50 metres right of the green in the crap. Decent up and down.

Grunt
24th July 2008, 09:59 AM
I have a shocking memory. Does that mean the clubhouse was supposed to be where that XXXX sign was?

You think your memory is bad, I can barely remember the course in any order. I can remember the holes but have no idea which hole is which and what the order is. Only hole that I remember with any certainty is the last.

markTHEblake
24th July 2008, 10:04 AM
I did have an old 'courses of Australia' book which had it in it's original format

I hope thats a typo and you still have it?

I have a bunch of Aussie golf courses books and they all are from the late 80's. all info about KV is the same as now.

They played a Seniors Tournament, Qld Open, Aust. Teams championship and a Queen Sikirit cup(womens) in the first handful of years it opened, and nuthin since. Obviously the era of the Coastal resort courses took over.

PeteyD
24th July 2008, 10:08 AM
I think it may be at my Aunt's place (I believe we gave it as a gift). I will see if I can find it over there.

markTHEblake
24th July 2008, 10:11 AM
Not 100% on the routing after that, but I think 17, old 18, then old 1 - 15.

If my old mate was right and the 1st is the old 16th, the routing works.

The course would play like this (the 2nd remains the 2nd)

16, 2 -15, 18, 1, 17, 15

When you think about the placement of the old 18th tee, and the other tees and greens around the now 17th, it all makes sense.

and that also places the clubhouse nearr the 10th tee.

BrisVegas
24th July 2008, 11:11 AM
blakey - why don't you buy it and re-route it.

PeteyD
24th July 2008, 11:18 AM
Yes that makes sense. the clubhouse would overlook the 1st and 10th tees, and 18th and 9th greens. But the Hot dogs at the half way house would be gone :(

AndyP
24th July 2008, 11:25 AM
They played a Seniors Tournament, Qld Open, Aust. Teams championship and a Queen Sikirit cup(womens) in the first handful of years it opened, and nuthin since. I think they had some sort of foursomes Championship down there recently that Scott Draper and partner won.

markTHEblake
24th July 2008, 11:33 AM
Thats right, PGA Foursomes, they have held it there for a while now

PeteyD
24th July 2008, 11:37 AM
Nasty course ending with a par 3 water carry, and then a double water carry par 4.

markTHEblake
27th July 2008, 05:23 PM
Heard a rumour today, no idea how reliable it is, he simply said there is much more to this than just a business losing money. (One of Dazzgolf's golf club mates)

It relates to the current ownership structure. One bloke owns 51% and a syndicate owns 49%. The syndicate wants to sell the lot and have had very good offers. The 51% owner wants to sell part of it and retain the business (whatever that means).

Somehow the syndicate has forced the hand by putting the business into liquidation.

markTHEblake
3rd August 2008, 03:21 PM
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2008/08/02/14472_gold-coast-business.html

New owner coming for Kooralbyn
August 2nd, 2008

A NEW owner is poised to take over the Kooralbyn Hotel Resort as early as next week.

The resort closed its doors two weeks ago under the instructions of liquidator Peter Lucas and they remained closed yesterday.

Mr Lucas, of PA Lucas and Co in Brisbane, was appointed liquidator to Kooralbyn International Hotels, which is understood to have accumulated debts of up to $60 million.

The liquidator did not return calls yesterday, but sources close to the deal said it was likely the resort would be open for business by next weekend if the deal proceeded.

The buyer is understood to be taking over both the resort business and the operation of the golf course.

Kooralbyn International Hotels is directed by New Zealand businessman Ray Schofield, who still controls the resort's property assets, which include the hotel, a 36-room golf lodge, golf course, tennis centre, polo fields and equestrian centre.

The Premium Income Fund, formerly controlled by troubled financial services group Octaviar (ex-MFS) and now in the hands of Jenny Hutson's Wellington Capital, is understood to have a $20 million exposure to Kooralbyn International Hotels.

The ownership of the resort remains clouded, with MFS at one stage touted as having an interest.

damoocow
3rd August 2008, 03:33 PM
So we still on for the Champs ?

jaybam
3rd August 2008, 03:40 PM
I would rather the current champs set up thanks. Maybe we need another poll???
:)

Courty
3rd August 2008, 03:41 PM
I would rather the current champs set up thanks. Maybe we need another poll???
:)

:smt021

goughy
3rd August 2008, 03:42 PM
Having only been to last years champs I though kooralbyn was outstanding. Just kind of having it to ourselves. That being said, we can't change it back surely. Maybe next year.

Grunt
3rd August 2008, 04:28 PM
Lets just see what happens, it could all fall through.

Eag's
3rd August 2008, 05:03 PM
Considering all the organising Shavey & G69 have done so far for this years Champs, I think it would be rude to even consider going back to KV.
Plus a few of us have already paid for our rooms.

Grunt
3rd August 2008, 05:05 PM
Let this year go as planned, more changes will only spark more debate/arguments.

markTHEblake
3rd August 2008, 05:11 PM
at this point in time there is nothing to consider, so its not even worth considering.

Grunt
3rd August 2008, 05:14 PM
Lets all hope it gets off the ground and we can go back there next year. It really felt like the home of OzGolf last year.

jaybam
3rd August 2008, 05:22 PM
If i had the choice of paying an extra 50 bucks and going to the coast i would do that every year before kooralbyn.

Grunt
3rd August 2008, 05:26 PM
Jay, you would be hard pressed to find someone that did not enjoy both the golf and the other activities that KV gave us last year.

markTHEblake
3rd August 2008, 05:28 PM
especially Choppa

jaybam
3rd August 2008, 05:37 PM
Not a big fan of the joint. Great layout but last time i was there Logan city golf course was in better condition.

PeteyD
3rd August 2008, 05:40 PM
When was that? By the time of the champs last year it had improved dramatically. If you dig up last years thread you can watch it change from brown wasteland to half decent.

goughy
3rd August 2008, 05:43 PM
I couldn't care less about the course. The venue itself was just set up for our social gathering! It was so easy.

This years gonna be a ball too! Infact, for those who've been to several of them, has there actually been a sucky champs. Maybe they were all different, but I bet they were all great.

AndyP
3rd August 2008, 05:46 PM
Let this year go as planned, more changes will only spark more debate/arguments.I'm all for changing something.

PeteyD
3rd August 2008, 05:57 PM
Pacific Harbour proved to be sucky as a champs venue on the day. If we could really play it wouldn't have mattered :D

Grunt
3rd August 2008, 05:58 PM
Bribie was good but at KV we were more as one big group for the entire weekend.

goughy
3rd August 2008, 06:15 PM
True true! The security guys at KV did have to keep coming past at midnight to keep a check on all the fighting that was being reported by some of the rooms!!! (keep a lid on it this year eag's ;) ;) )

jaybam
3rd August 2008, 06:20 PM
You seem to have a bit of a reputation Eags. Please explain to all us champs virgins so we can decide if your safe to be near??? lol :)

jaybam
3rd August 2008, 07:30 PM
Well we might all have to make sure he has a good game on the saturday :) Make sure who ever plays with him marks his card properly allright. Nothing but birdies :)

AndyP
4th August 2008, 08:00 AM
Plus a few of us have already paid for our rooms.They are booked and not paid for. They can be cancelled up to Nov 6 without penalty.

Has someone called KV yet?

Eag's
4th August 2008, 08:17 AM
They are booked and not paid for. They can be cancelled up to Nov 6 without penalty.

Has someone called KV yet?

Incorrect, if you cancel between now and Nov 5 you will be charged $38
Cancel after Nov 5 and you do all of your money.

sms316
4th August 2008, 08:20 AM
Incorrect, if you cancel between now and Nov 5 you will be charged $38
Cancel after Nov 5 and you do all of your money.

Am I missing something?

Quote - Cancellation Policy: Cancel today thru Nov 06 2008 = No penalty
Cancel Nov 07 2008 thru Nov 08 2008 = 210.00 AUD.

Eag's
4th August 2008, 08:27 AM
Cancellation Policy
Penalty applies to all cancellations. Cancel today thru Nov 04 2008 = 38.00 AUD. Cancel Nov 05 2008 thru Nov 08 2008 = 151.35 AUD.

The above is shown in their conditions section each time I check??

AndyP
4th August 2008, 08:34 AM
Cancellation charge and you're getting stung an extra $1.35 for the room. Rumbo drinking surcharges?

sms316
4th August 2008, 08:39 AM
It says nothing about the cancellation charge (other than there isn't one) on my email. Is it anywhere else?

Eag's
4th August 2008, 08:40 AM
Cancellation charge and you're getting stung an extra $1.35 for the room. Rumbo drinking surcharges?

My bad, I forgot to put in the OZG Code to get the right conditions.
Apologies to you both :oops:

Ned
21st September 2008, 07:16 AM
Kooralbyn International School is still maintaining the tees and greens for the students in their program. Locals can use the course for free but have to walk.

goughy
21st September 2008, 11:27 AM
That'd be a heck of a walk! You'd cover that same distance as the course itself just walking between the tees!

markTHEblake
17th December 2009, 12:01 AM
I got this email back from the Kooralbyn.com website (tourist/business info portal).

Yes the course & resort have been closed since July 2008. The course is being maintained by several people and to a standard which appears to be quite significant, however I do know that the greens are going to need at least 6 months of concentrated work on them once the resort opens its doors again, when that will be we are unsure, however your best source of information would be the media as when the resort is purchased the new owners will no doubt advertise quite vigorously.