Hello fellow members,

Since the reopening of Long Island, ongoing high levels of course utilisation have understandably prompted many members to ask when access will increase, bookings in groups of four will return, and the current guest restrictions will be lifted. The good news is that there is not much longer to wait!

We’re grateful to all our members for the patience they have shown as we have taken a staged approach to returning to normal operations. This strategy has allowed the new playing surfaces to continue settling in while giving members the opportunity to experience the revolutionary concept of multiple routings within a single course.

It has been wonderful to see the course back in play and to hear the overwhelmingly positive feedback from members. The OCM design has clearly generated genuine excitement across the Club.

The timetable below outlines the planned expansion of tee times and access at Long Island over the remainder of the year as the weather improves. All dates and player capacities remain subject to course conditions and the continued establishment of the playing surfaces.

LONG ISLAND REOPENING ROADMAP

Current Arrangements Through August

Long Island will remain closed on Mondays and Fridays through August.

• The first tee time will be approximately 8.00am on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
• The first tee time will be approximately 7.30am on Saturday.
• The indicative weekly player capacity will remain at 644.

September and October

From September, Long Island will be open for play on Fridays but remain closed on Mondays.

• The first tee time will be approximately 8.00am from Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday.
• The first tee time will be approximately 7.30am on Saturday.
• The indicative weekly player capacity will increase to 768.

Bookings in Groups of Four

From Tuesday 1 September, members will again be able to make bookings in groups of four.

We appreciate the patience members have shown while bookings have temporarily been limited to groups of two. This arrangement was introduced to give a greater number of members an opportunity to experience Long Island during the early stages of the reopening.

Notwithstanding, it’s clear that members value the ability to arrange their golf in groups of four, and we anticipate that reverting to that norm from September will be a timely change.

Maximum of Two Weekly Bookings

From Thursday 1 October, the current limit of two Long Island bookings per member each week will be removed.

Greater flexibility will also be introduced for social and nine-hole play during the late afternoon.

This will provide more opportunities for members to visit Long Island after work or enjoy a shorter round as daylight hours increase. Further detail about these flexible arrangements will be provided closer to October.

November

From November, Long Island will open seven days a week but with guest restrictions still in place. Monday will be scheduled as the regular day for change of course routing.

• On Mondays, the first tee time will be set from approximately 10:00am, allowing the Course Team to complete required maintenance and routing changes.
• The first tee time will be set from approximately 8:00am from Tuesday to Friday and on Sunday.
• The first tee time will be set from approximately 7:30am on Saturday.
• The indicative weekly player capacity will increase to 840.

This schedule is expected to closely reflect the course’s permanent timesheet strategy, seeking to keep the annual number of total rounds played under 45,000.

December

Long Island is expected to return to normal operations from the first week of December.

Guest restrictions will ease at this time, allowing members to introduce guests during allocated guest booking times.

We know many members are looking forward to sharing the renovated course with family and friends. Further details about the available guest times and booking arrangements will be provided closer to December.

Cart Access

The current Long Island cart requirements will remain in place.

Members must be 70 years or older, or hold a medical certificate to access a cart at Long Island.

BLUE TEE MOONAH 14 AND UPCOMING WORKS

I am pleased to announce that the Blue Tee on the 14th hole of the Moonah Course will return to its original  higher position on the dune behind the 13th green.

The elevated teeing position provides a different perspective of the hole and will enhance the variety and quality of the playing experience on the Moonah Course.

This change forms part of the Club’s longer-term planning for this frequently discussed area.

A renovation of the 13th hole is scheduled for 2027 and will be completed in conjunction with planned irrigation works across the Moonah Course.

Harrison Golf Design has will undertake the design and renovation to remain consistent with the Club’s approach of engaging original course designers, or consultants from their firms, when completing significant course works.

Further details about the irrigation project and the renovation of the 13th hole will be shared with members as these plans come to hand.

FUTURE PLANS

The Committee has recently refreshed its Strategic Plan in an effort to ensure that it remains current, is easy to communicate and emphasises member experience.

The current discussion about our investment plans for the decade ahead are all about putting the things in place which guarantee that we can preserve the experience that we value so much at The National. The Vision says it all.

We want to be clear about our aspiration to be the ultimate haven for golfing enthusiasts.

If you didn’t see it as part of a recent update about future capital works, I would encourage you to do so via the link here.

Having started to paint a picture of what is to come, I know that the Board is keen to share more detail of planned works in the years immediately head and to take members on that journey. The Chair, Patricia Cross-Meadows, will provide a more thorough update in the next couple of weeks or so, further to which the Board and Committee will continue to keep shareholders and members in the loop.

I know that a lot of you have questions at the moment.  As always, please stop me for a chat if you see me around the Club. I am keen to hear your views and continue working with members, committees and staff to protect and improve the golf experience at The National.

Alternatively, don’t hesitate to track me or Matt Corby (or both of us) down for a hit with your group. We don’t mind having our brains picked and welcome the opportunity to engage on any of the topics that make their way around the restaurant floor.

Warm regards,

Andrew Tunks