Members of a prestigious golf club in Victoria are the latest to join the uprising against former premier Daniel Andrews seeking access to “potential membership”.
Members of the National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula have written to the club’s committee setting out their clear position against Andrews joining.
The former state premier is unpopular among the golfing community due to his strict Covid-19 rules, especially when he dropped the Mornington Peninsula under metropolitan restrictions and banned the sport during the pandemic.
It comes after the former prime minister’s partner Max Beck subtly approached power brokers at Portsea Golf Club to ask if Mr Andrews could become a member.
Andrews was reportedly told he would not, but club chairman Phil Cramer has denied the claims, saying the ex-PM had not even formally applied.
Members of the National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula have written to the club’s committee setting out their clear position against membership of former state premier Daniel Andrews (pictured)
The letter from National Golf Club members urges the committee to adhere to standard membership procedure when considering Mr Andrews’ application.
This includes the ‘crucial’ step of sharing a candidate’s name on the club’s notice board for 21 days from the time the application is submitted.
It also reflects the views of more than 100 golfers, who claim Mr Andrews does not possess the qualities that align with the club’s ‘fundamental values’.
“It is imperative that every potential member, including Mr Andrews, aligns with the fundamental values of our golf club,” said the letter obtained by the Herald Sun say.
‘Showing good character, sociability and a genuine interest in meeting and becoming friends with fellow members.
‘Unfortunately, Mr Andrews is noted to lack these qualities, and his inability to remember scores for each hole due to poor memory further highlights concerns about his compatibility with our club.’
The club member also asked whether Mr Andrews’ potential membership would be a subject for consideration at the club’s annual general meeting on Sunday.
Mr Andrews was previously a guest at the National Golf Club alongside property baron and confidant Max Beck.
His performance in the golfing mecca of Cape Schanck was marred by controversy when he was allowed to play a round on the morning of the grand final despite rules not allowing guests onto the green at the time.
It comes after the president of another elite golf club denied claims that Andrews blocked access to membership, insisting an application from the former Victorian premier to become a member be considered.
In a letter 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 of Portsea Golf Club had blocked an approach to Andrews after his friend and property magnate Max Beck made a tangible inquiry on his behalf.
However, club president Phil Cramer sent a ‘member update’ clarifying that all registrations will be welcome, despite the backlash from members.
Gaining entry into elite golf clubs is no easy feat, with many clubs having demanding entry requirements and strict dress codes.
Being able to pay club fees is only part of the criteria for potential members, with applicants also assessed on their character, golfing skills and whether they are compatible with existing members.
Admission requirements typically involve being nominated by an existing member, producing referees, interviews, a vote and a subcommittee consideration.
If and when a new member is allowed to join a club, membership can only be ‘provisional’ for one year.
New members will also be subject to strict dress and etiquette codes, with one club banning players from wearing blue jeans.
Here are the rules for just three of the state’s prestigious golf clubs.
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is one of Victoria’s most prestigious golf courses, dating back to 1891, and has a strict membership process.
Membership fees are not disclosed, but applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to pay the fees.
Gaining entry into elite golf clubs is no easy feat, with many clubs having demanding entry requirements and strict dress codes. The Royal Melbourne Golf Course requires applicants to be interviewed to determine whether they are of ‘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 be of ‘good character and standing’.
If approved, they will be subject to an interview with the Membership Committee before their membership is voted on.
Membership is considered ‘provisional’ for one year, during which the applicant must attend an orientation program and adhere to a strict dress code including a collared shirt, tailored trousers and appropriate golf shoes.
At Portsea Golf Club, potential golfers are ’embraced’ and ‘encouraged’ to inquire about memberships.
Prospective members must complete an application form and receive a recommendation from two current members.
All new registrations are reviewed monthly by the Board and are subject to approval, with the Board reserving the right to refuse any prospective member.
At Portsea Golf Club (pictured), prospective golfers must complete an application form and receive a recommendation from two current members
Male members of Portsea Golf Club are expected to wear a collared shirt and smart trousers or walk shorts. Socks should also be worn and should be predominantly white.
A ‘neat and tidy’ dress code is expected for female golfers, with a collared shirt being worn at all times.
Smart culottes, golf skirts, trousers and shorts are permitted and socks must be worn, while leisure suits, ski trousers, leggings, swim or board shorts, clothing with advertising slogans or messages and thongs and singlets are all prohibited.
At Barwon Heads Golf Club, a prospective member must be nominated and seconded by two voting members who have held adult membership for at least five years.
The applicant’s 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 submitted at the club committee meeting before the applicant’s name is circulated to all voting members for comment.
At Barwon Heads Golf Club (pictured), a prospective member must be nominated and seconded by two voting members who have held adult membership for at least five years.
The club has a strict dress code and details the items banned on the green, including any blue denim clothing (stock photo of a person wearing jeans on the driving range)
The prospective member, together with the person who nominated him, will then be invited to meet with 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, collarless shirts, singlets, beachwear, thongs, leggings, gym wear, tracksuits, cargo pants, casual shorts, football shorts, open-toed shoes and designer clothing.
Members must wear a tucked-in collared shirt or polo, tailored pants, shorts or skirt, and white socks for men wearing shorts.
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’.
