The sweeping corridors of pine and eucalyptus are a drawcard for many budding golfers at the Rossdale golf course in Melbourne\u2019s south-east.<\/p>\n
“They call it the ‘friendly course’ for a reason,” said Greg McMahon, a club member.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s a course that\u2019s inclusive, caters for all abilities. A course that has a community feel about it.”<\/p>\n
The course, located a few blocks from Aspendale Beach, is steeped in history, having hosted the Australian PGA championship on two occasions in the 1960s.<\/p>\n
But the board’s plans to sell the 42-hectare site and potentially build hundreds of medium to high-density homes have attracted the ire of the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cAbsolutely there\u2019s NIMBY [not-in-my-backyard] behaviour. We are locals,\u201d Mr McMahon said.<\/p>\n
In the past fiscal year, the club\u2019s operating debt reached $1.2 million, which has sped up its plans to sell the privately-owned land.<\/p>\n
“The 2025 financial year was marked by continued revenue growth as well as growth in membership numbers, however the club still made a loss,” its latest annual report said.<\/p>\n
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Greg McMahon says the community has not been consulted. (ABC News: Patrick Rocca)<\/p>\n
Unlike the nearby sandbelt courses, Rossdale is open for public use, and Mr McMahon said the flat terrain is preferred for novices working on their swing.<\/p>\n
“It is something where the average person can access golf on a regular basis,” he said.<\/p>\n
Mr McMahon represents about 100 golf and community members through the Save Rossdale Action Group, who are fighting to protect the large open space.<\/p>\n
“We have not, as a community, been consulted,” he said.<\/p>\n
Looking to relocate<\/p>\n
More than 90 per cent of the club’s 400 members voted to sell the land and relocate in 2018.<\/p>\n
Rossdale Golf Club president Geoff Charnley said the board has tried to be transparent with club members.<\/p>\n