Happy New Year to all our members. I hope you and your families enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and that 2026 has started well for you. It has been terrific to see the Club so full of life over the summer period, with the bars and terraces at Cape Schanck buzzing with activity.

Further to the recent update shared with members, excitement continues to build for the reopening of Long Island in mid to late March. Our team has worked tirelessly over the past two years to bring this project to life, and it promises to be an outstanding addition to The National’s offering.

Protecting Our Courses

In the short time I have been Captain, I have been made even more aware of course conditioning than ever before, with a constant stream of feedback about the state of our courses where we, the members, are responsible for basic course care.

Since Boxing Day the Club has averaged 570 rounds per day, with peak days reaching up to 800 rounds. This volume places extra demand on the courses and makes course care especially important at this time of year.

The Club campaigns for member buy-in to Fill, Rake and Repair. For real change to occur each member must act. Everyone has seen unraked bunkers, unfilled divots, and unrepaired pitch marks. Too many members still ignore that responsibility and we shouldn’t see that as being acceptable.

Our By-Laws allow members to respectfully and courteously advise another member or guest who has breached a Club Rule or failed to meet basic etiquette. In golf it has often fallen to the lower markers in the group to take on that role, but it is a responsibility for all members.

If you see poor behaviour on course, please report it to Golf Operations. You can be certain of my support.

Reciprocal and Affiliate Club Update

The Club has continued to strengthen its network of reciprocal and affiliate relationships, both in Australia and abroad. With access to leading courses now in high demand, our focus remains on forming sustainable partnerships that enhance the membership experience and reflect our values.

Reciprocal clubs offer members direct access under a traditional exchange arrangement, where members of both clubs enjoy comparable playing and clubhouse privileges when visiting each other.

Affiliate clubs, by contrast, provide preferential access for National members, with payment of a reduced green fee. These arrangements are designed to expand playing opportunities while ensuring flexibility and sustainability for both clubs.

New affiliate agreements have recently been finalised with Sanctuary Cove (QLD), Cottesloe (WA), Crail Golfing Society (Scotland) and Titirangi (New Zealand).

Further expansion of our Affiliate portfolio is planned, particularly across the United Kingdom, Europe, the USA, Asia, and New Zealand.

Members with introductions to clubs which they believe would be aligned with our approach are encouraged to contact Tom Buckley at tom.buckley@nationalgolf.com.au

ANZAC Day Dawn Service and Golf – Expression of Interest

The Club is exploring the opportunity to host a Dawn Service at Cape Schanck on ANZAC Day, followed by a team golf event. ANZAC Day is, in my view, one of the most important days of the year, as we remember the sacrifices of those who secured the freedoms we now enjoy.

The day will commence with a Dawn Service at 6.00 am, conducted near the practice greens in front of the clubhouse, to be followed by a traditional Gunfire Breakfast in the clubhouse. This will provide a great chance to meet, mingle, and share memories of family members who have served in the military.

Members are invited to express their interest in attending either of the following options:

• Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast only
• Dawn Service, Gunfire Breakfast, team golf event and lunch

The golf event would be played in a team format and would include invited serving members from the official Catafalque Party as special guests. A Catafalque Party is a ceremonial guard of serving military members who stand still around a memorial as a mark of respect.

Provided there is sufficient member interest, the Club will confirm arrangements and share further details closer to the date, including how to participate. It is my hope that over time we can build this into a prominent annual event.

Members are encouraged to register their interest through the link below by the end of January.

Tribal Challenge

Following significant feedback since taking on the role as Captain, and through deliberation with the Match Committee, I am pleased to announce that the Tribal Challenge will return to its traditional time slot of the morning.

Further information on Tournament Week entries will be provided in the coming days.

Member Photos

Early in my tenure, I have been overwhelmed with support and interest in the role and the Club’s future plans. In truth, I have met so many members in the past month I am struggling to keep names and faces aligned, so please forgive me when I get it wrong!

We are encouraging all members to upload a profile photo to their account. A simple photo helps strengthen our sense of community by making it easier for me and other members to recognise one another.

Updating your profile picture is easy. Just follow the steps below.

If you’d prefer, visit Reception (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm) or the Pro Shop, and our team can help update your profile on the spot.

Smoking Policy Update

The Club’s smoking policy will extend to Long Island from Sunday 1 February.

This aligns with the policy already in place at Cape Schanck, which aims to protect the health, safety, and enjoyment of all members and guests.

Members are reminded that automatic sanctions apply to any breach of this policy and that they are responsible for ensuring their guests comply.

We thank all members for respecting this policy and supporting a safe, healthy environment for everyone.

As we roll into 2026, I’m looking forward to spending more time on course and around the Club, catching up with as many of you as possible. Please don’t hesitate to stop me for a chat if you see me – or better yet, let’s try and share a game together.

Let’s make this a great year for Australia’s biggest and best golf club. It’s a special place and no one else offers what we offer.

Warm regards,

Andrew TunksHappy New Year to all our members. I hope you and your families enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and that 2026 has started well for you. It has been terrific to see the Club so full of life over the summer period, with the bars and terraces at Cape Schanck buzzing with activity.

Further to the recent update shared with members, excitement continues to build for the reopening of Long Island in mid to late March. Our team has worked tirelessly over the past two years to bring this project to life, and it promises to be an outstanding addition to The National’s offering.

Protecting Our Courses

In the short time I have been Captain, I have been made even more aware of course conditioning than ever before, with a constant stream of feedback about the state of our courses where we, the members, are responsible for basic course care.

Since Boxing Day the Club has averaged 570 rounds per day, with peak days reaching up to 800 rounds. This volume places extra demand on the courses and makes course care especially important at this time of year.

The Club campaigns for member buy-in to Fill, Rake and Repair. For real change to occur each member must act. Everyone has seen unraked bunkers, unfilled divots, and unrepaired pitch marks. Too many members still ignore that responsibility and we shouldn’t see that as being acceptable.

Our By-Laws allow members to respectfully and courteously advise another member or guest who has breached a Club Rule or failed to meet basic etiquette. In golf it has often fallen to the lower markers in the group to take on that role, but it is a responsibility for all members.

If you see poor behaviour on course, please report it to Golf Operations. You can be certain of my support.

Reciprocal and Affiliate Club Update

The Club has continued to strengthen its network of reciprocal and affiliate relationships, both in Australia and abroad. With access to leading courses now in high demand, our focus remains on forming sustainable partnerships that enhance the membership experience and reflect our values.

Reciprocal clubs offer members direct access under a traditional exchange arrangement, where members of both clubs enjoy comparable playing and clubhouse privileges when visiting each other.

Affiliate clubs, by contrast, provide preferential access for National members, with payment of a reduced green fee. These arrangements are designed to expand playing opportunities while ensuring flexibility and sustainability for both clubs.

New affiliate agreements have recently been finalised with Sanctuary Cove (QLD), Cottesloe (WA), Crail Golfing Society (Scotland) and Titirangi (New Zealand).

Further expansion of our Affiliate portfolio is planned, particularly across the United Kingdom, Europe, the USA, Asia, and New Zealand.

Members with introductions to clubs which they believe would be aligned with our approach are encouraged to contact Tom Buckley at tom.buckley@nationalgolf.com.au

ANZAC Day Dawn Service and Golf – Expression of Interest

The Club is exploring the opportunity to host a Dawn Service at Cape Schanck on ANZAC Day, followed by a team golf event. ANZAC Day is, in my view, one of the most important days of the year, as we remember the sacrifices of those who secured the freedoms we now enjoy.

The day will commence with a Dawn Service at 6.00 am, conducted near the practice greens in front of the clubhouse, to be followed by a traditional Gunfire Breakfast in the clubhouse. This will provide a great chance to meet, mingle, and share memories of family members who have served in the military.

Members are invited to express their interest in attending either of the following options:

• Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast only
• Dawn Service, Gunfire Breakfast, team golf event and lunch

The golf event would be played in a team format and would include invited serving members from the official Catafalque Party as special guests. A Catafalque Party is a ceremonial guard of serving military members who stand still around a memorial as a mark of respect.

Provided there is sufficient member interest, the Club will confirm arrangements and share further details closer to the date, including how to participate. It is my hope that over time we can build this into a prominent annual event.

Members are encouraged to register their interest through the link below by the end of January.

Tribal Challenge

Following significant feedback since taking on the role as Captain, and through deliberation with the Match Committee, I am pleased to announce that the Tribal Challenge will return to its traditional time slot of the morning.

Further information on Tournament Week entries will be provided in the coming days.

Member Photos

Early in my tenure, I have been overwhelmed with support and interest in the role and the Club’s future plans. In truth, I have met so many members in the past month I am struggling to keep names and faces aligned, so please forgive me when I get it wrong!

We are encouraging all members to upload a profile photo to their account. A simple photo helps strengthen our sense of community by making it easier for me and other members to recognise one another.

Updating your profile picture is easy. Just follow the steps below.

If you’d prefer, visit Reception (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm) or the Pro Shop, and our team can help update your profile on the spot.

Smoking Policy Update

The Club’s smoking policy will extend to Long Island from Sunday 1 February.

This aligns with the policy already in place at Cape Schanck, which aims to protect the health, safety, and enjoyment of all members and guests.

Members are reminded that automatic sanctions apply to any breach of this policy and that they are responsible for ensuring their guests comply.

We thank all members for respecting this policy and supporting a safe, healthy environment for everyone.

As we roll into 2026, I’m looking forward to spending more time on course and around the Club, catching up with as many of you as possible. Please don’t hesitate to stop me for a chat if you see me – or better yet, let’s try and share a game together.

Let’s make this a great year for Australia’s biggest and best golf club. It’s a special place and no one else offers what we offer.

Warm regards,

Andrew Tunks