Members of a prestigious golf club in Victoria are the latest to join a revolt against former state premier Daniel Andrews accessing ‘potential membership’.
Members of the National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula have sent the club’s committee a letter outlining their clear stance against Mr Andrews joining.
The former state premier is unpopular among the golfing community for his strict Covid-19 rules, particularly when he included the Mornington Peninsula with the metropolitan restrictions and banned the sport during the pandemic.
It comes after the former premier’s mate, Max Beck, made a subtle approach to Portsea Golf Club power brokers to ask whether Mr Andrews might be able to join.
Mr Andrews was reportedly told he would not – but club president Phil Cramer has denied the claims saying the ex-premier did not even formally submit an application.
Members of the National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula have sent the club ‘s committee a letter outlining their clear stance against a membership for former state premier Daniel Andrews (pictured)
The letter from the National Golf Club members urges the committee to adhere to its standard membership process when assessing Mr Andrews’ application.
This includes the ‘crucial’ step of sharing a candidate’s name to the club notice board for 21 days from when the application is submitted.
It also expresses the opinion of more than 100 golfers, claiming Mr Andrews does not have the qualities that align with the ‘fundamental values of the club.
‘It is imperative that any potential member, including Mr Andrews, aligns with the fundamental values of our golf club’ the letter obtained by the Herald Sun says.
‘Demonstrating good character, sociability, and a genuine interest in meeting and befriending fellow members.
‘Regrettably, it is noted that Mr Andrews lacks these qualities, and his inability to recall scores for each hole due to poor memory further underscores concerns about his compatibility with our club.’
The club’s member’s also inquired whether Mr Andrews’ potential membership would be a topic of consideration at the club’s annual general meeting on Sunday.
Mr Andrews has previously played as a guest at the National Golf Club alongside property baron and confidante Max Beck.
His appearance at the Cape Schanck golfing mecca was marred by controversy as he was permitted to play a round on Grand Final morning despite rules not allowing guests to hit the green at that time.
It comes after the president of another elite golf club denied claims it blocked Mr Andrews from admission as a member, insisting it would consider an application from the former Victorian Premier to join.
In a letter sent to the committee, more than 100 members claim Andrews (pictured with Golf Australia chairman John Hopkins) does not have the qualities that align with the club’s fundamental values
Earlier this week it was claimed that members at Portsea Golf Club had blocked an approach from Andrews after his friend and property magnate Max Beck made a tactile inquiry on his behalf.
However, club president Phil Cramer sent a ‘member update’ clarifying that all applications will be welcomed despite member backlash.
Gaining entry to elite golf clubs is no small feat, with many holding demanding entry requirements and strict dress codes.
Being able to pay the club fees is only part of the criteria for prospective members, with applicants also judged on their character, golfing skills and whether they are compatible with existing members.
Entry requirements typically involve being nominated by an existing member, producing referees, interviews, a vote and a consideration before a sub committee.
If and when a new member is allowed to join the a club, their membership may then only be ‘provisional’ for a year.
New members will also be subject to strict dress and etiquette codes – with one club banning players from wearing blue denim jeans.
Here are the rules for just three of the prestigious golf club’s in the state.
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is one of Victoria’s most prestigious golf courses, dating back to 1891, and has strict membership process.
Membership fees are not disclosed but applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to pay the fees.
Gaining entry to elite golf clubs is no small feat, with many holding demanding entry requirements and strict dress codes. The Royal Melbourne Golf Course requires applicants are interviewed to determine if they have a ‘good character and reputation’
Applicants must be nominated by an existing member and submit a form with the required documents before they can be reviewed by the committee and deemed to have ‘good character and reputation’.
If approved, they are subject to an interview with the membership committee before a their membership is put to a vote.
The membership is considered ‘provisional’ for one year, with the applicant required to attend an orientation program and must abide by a strict dress code including a collared shirt, tailored trousers and appropriate golf shoes.
At Portsea Golf Club prospective golfers are ’embraced’ and ‘encouraged’ to inquire about memberships.
Future members must complete an application form and have recommendation from two current members.
All new applications are reviewed monthly by the board and are subject to approval, with the board reserving the right to refuse a prospective member.
At Portsea Golf Club (pictured) prospective golfers must complete an application form and have recommendation from two current members
Portsea Golf Club male members are expected to wear a shirt with a collar and neat trousers or ‘walk shorts’. Socks must also be worn and should be predominately white.
For female golfers a ‘neat and tidy’ dress code is expected, with a collared shirt to be worn at all times.
Neat culottes, golf skirts, slacks and shorts are permitted and socks must be worn, while leisure suits, ski pants, leggings, bathing or board shorts, clothing with advertising slogans or messages and thongs and singlets are all banned.
At the Barwon Heads Golf Club a prospective member must be proposed and seconded by two voting members who have had an adult membership for at least five years.
The applicants nomination papers must then be supported by three other voting members, who will act as referees.
The nomination is first heard at a membership subcommittee meeting and then tabled at the club’s committee meeting before the applicants name is circulated to all voting members for comment.
At the Barwon Heads Golf Club (pictured) a prospective member must be proposed and seconded by two voting members who have had an adult membership for at least five years.
The club has a strict dress code and details the items off-limits while on the green including any blue denim garments (stock image of person wearing jeans at golf driving range)
The prospective member, along with the person who nominated them, is then invited to meet two members of the subcommittee before they are eligible for election as a member.
The club’s strict dress code prohibits members from wearing blue denim garments, shirts without collars, singlets, beach wear, thongs, leggings, gym wear, tracksuits, cargo pants, casual shorts, football shorts, open-towed shoes and branded clothing.
Members must wear a tucked in collared shirt or polo, tailored trousers, shorts, or skirts and white socks for men wearing shorts.
While in the dining room men are required to wear a jacket and business shirt with an optional tie, while women ‘are required to dress to an equivalent standard’.
