Members will have seen the published results of our recent summer survey in E News. That survey has provided valuable feedback from members of Mona Vale Golf Club regarding various aspects of their experience.
Most of the survey feedback has been positive. Your concerns have been reviewed by the Board and some changes are underway and others planned that will improve the experience of members of MVGC.
Key Positives:
1. Clubhouse and Course Facilities:
- The clubhouse and deck are praised as an amazing space with great views and ambience. 75% of those surveyed rated the clubhouse facility as “excellent”, and 21% rated it as “good”.
- The course is well-maintained, with compliments to the ground staff for their efforts, especially after heavy rain.
- The performance of our bar staff was rated by the survey as excellent.
- The majority of responders rated the café food and coffee as very good and the friendliness of staff as excellent.
- The live music events are appreciated and seen as a successful addition to the Club’s offerings.
2. Pro Shop and Staff:
- The pro shop staff are described as approachable and efficient, contributing positively to the Club’s culture.
3. Food and Beverage:
- Breakfast and coffee are consistently rated as high quality.
- The cafe is recognised for bringing in much-needed revenue to the Club.
4. General Club Management:
- Members appreciate the surveys and opportunities to provide feedback, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement.
- The Club is seen as thriving despite challenges, with members expressing pride in being part of it.
Improvement Areas:
Food and Beverage:
- The cafe menu does not provide sufficient options for golfers to ‘grab and go” and service can be slow.
- The cafe menu needs to be updated more regularly and include more fresh food options and smaller portion size options.
Actions:
A multi-year agreement with our café operator, Waterview, has recently been signed, with provision for increased diversity of food options, regular menu enhancements, and an extended “Grab and Go” menu.
We are also considering the possibility of re-establishing a van operating close to the 1st tee area, supplying cold food and beverage “grab and go” options for golfers.
Clubhouse:
- The clubhouse is described as noisy, with poor acoustics making it difficult to hold conversations during busy times.
- Use of locker rooms by members of the public.
- More shading needed on the deck in summer months.
Actions :
An expert acoustic assessment has been carried out and recommendations made. The Board is currently reviewing the options and determining when funds will be available to undertake the recommended work.
Doors have been installed at the entry of the member’s locker rooms to discourage entry by members of the public using the clubhouse.
The Board has approved a proposal to allow us to enclose the undercover outdoor deck area, and we will also install heaters in this space. This will provide additional space for public or member functions and more usable space in cooler months.
Consideration is also being given to trialling an extended undercover area out to the edge of the deck on its western end with retractable roofing/shading options being investigated.
Course Conditions:
- Bunkers are raised by a number of survey responders, with complaints about inconsistent sand quality, insufficient depth, and poor drainage.
- Some members request toilets on the course.
Actions :
All bunkers where capillary drainage has been installed will shortly be filled with the recently successfully trialled variety of sand. The sand removed from those bunkers will be added to the existing sand in the other bunkers to increase their sand volume. This is hoped to significantly improve the course bunkers.
Our strategic plan allows for future capillary drainage in additional bunkers and as that work is completed, those bunkers will also be filled with the new sand variety.
Some preliminary investigations have been made as to the installation of toilet facilities on the 6th hole, including suitable designs and costs. However, at this point, budgetary constraints will not allow that to be done in the near future.
Parking and Accessibility:
- Car parking availability and surface.
- Pathways and access points between the course and clubhouse are described as inconvenient and in need of improvement.
Actions:
A number of options are being investigated in relation to the car park, including controlling access to the car park, car park surfacing, and increased safety net height on the 10th hole. These will potentially involve significant financial investment, so we wish to ensure that the best and most cost-effective option is adopted.
We have removed a section of railing in front of the clubhouse entrance to allow easier access to the putting green from the clubhouse.
We are also looking at the best way to improve access to the western end of the clubhouse from the car park.
Summary
Many thanks to those members who participated in the survey and provided commentary. It was pleasing to read so many positive comments about the clubhouse, the course and being a member of MVGC. The other comments in the survey relating to members’ concerns as to various issues canvassed are also welcomed as valuable guidance to the Board and management on how our Club and its facilities can be improved so that the benefits of membership at MVGC continue to grow.
Kind Regards, Louise Gillespie
Director & Vice President
