AFTER a torrid 12 months struggling to keep the course alive through drought, the Uralla Golf Club has played the perfect round to secure the facility's long-term future. Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced a $251,020 State Government grant to redevelop the course watering system and upgrade the clubhouse. Last year, Mr Marshall worked with Club President Darrell Carson to secure approval for two bores, which could be used to water the greens struggling due to the prolonged dry. He said a new watering system, funded through the grant, would reduce the amount of water needed to maintain the greens. Mr Carson said during the drought it took a community effort to keep the greens alive. "Every day we had volunteers turning up to the club, first thing in the morning, and giving up their time to water the greens from shuttles," he said. "We have 18 holes here at Uralla which requires a lot of manpower to water. It was incredible to see some of those who volunteered were not even members, just people who wanted to see the club survive. "Despite best efforts, many of the greens have still suffered horribly with patches dying. I am hopeful through this funding we are able to bring the course back to life for the enjoyment of the community." Mr Marshall said to pull through with the course intact has been a herculean effort, and this funding is a just and deserved reward. "During the worst of the drought, the club relied on Uralla Shire Council and the generosity of local volunteers to truck water in to keep the course alive," he said. "With Water NSW approvals now in place, this grant will support the club to sink two bores at strategic sites on the 5,710-metre course. "The club will use these bores as an emergency water supply when its storage dams get low. Funds will also allow a smart watering system to be installed, replacing the existing 50-year-old scheme." Mr Marshall said the new system would control sprinklers on the tee and greens remotely and provide up to date information on the amount of water being used on the course. He added the automation of the sprinkler system would reduce the amount of physical labour needed to maintain the facility, easing pressure on the single greenkeeper and club members. Mr Marshall said $88,220 of the grant would be spent renovating the clubhouse to make it more publicly accessible. "The Uralla Golf Club really is a venue for the whole family with a bistro open on a Friday and night meat raffles of a Sunday," he said. "Parts of the aged facility are in need of refurbishing, and this grant will be used to update both the male and female toilets, as well as install a new disabled toilet in the building. "Currently Uralla Golf Club has 300 members, and I expect with the addition of these improved amenities we will see more people become associated with the club, and if not, take up the sport at least make it their local."
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