Queenstown Golf Club

Irrigation Upgrade FAQ

What Members Need to Know During the Temporary 9-Hole Operation

As part of the Club’s major irrigation upgrade, Queenstown Golf Club will temporarily operate as a 9-hole course while Stage 1 works are completed from tomorrow, 11 May 2026.

This is one of the most significant infrastructure projects undertaken by the Club in recent decades and represents a major investment in the long-term quality, resilience and presentation of the course.

We understand members will have questions about how the temporary operation will work, so the following FAQ aims to provide clarity around play, bookings, competitions and what to expect over the coming months.

Why are we going to 9 holes?

The move to 9 holes allows contractors to work safely and efficiently on the first stage of the irrigation upgrade.

By concentrating the work area and separating machinery, trenching, pipework and active play areas, the Club can:

• improve overall safety

• reduce disruption

• speed up construction timeframes

• avoid extending the works unnecessarily

Trying to maintain full 18-hole play while major underground works are underway would significantly increase risks and likely prolong the project.

How long are we expecting to be at 9 holes?

Stage 1 works are currently expected to continue through the winter period, with completion targeted for early August 2026.

As with all major groundworks projects, weather conditions can influence progress. Wet conditions particularly affect trenching, backfilling and reinstatement works.

The Club will continue providing updates as the project progresses.

Which holes will be open and how does the rotation work?

The temporary 9-hole loop will use:

10, 11, 12, 13, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9

For scoring and handicap purposes, these holes will be renumbered as holes 1 to 9.

Members playing 18 holes will complete the same 9-hole loop twice, with the second loop treated as holes 10 to 18 for handicap and competition purposes.

Will the course still be rated for handicap purposes?

Yes.

The temporary course has been officially rated for both:

• 9-hole handicap play

• 18-hole handicap play

This allows members to continue submitting scores for handicap purposes throughout the works period.

How will bookings and tee times operate?

To maximise access during the irrigation works, the Club will operate an adjusted booking structure across the week.

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – Competition Days

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, the course will operate as a 9-hole course only for all members.

This means:

• all member play will be 9 holes only

• competitions will operate as 9-hole events

• competition entry fee will be $5 per player

• members may continue booking through the normal booking system

This structure effectively doubles the number of available playing opportunities compared with operating full 18-hole rounds.

Nearest to the Pin Competition

Thanks to the support of Wilkinsons Pharmacy, a Nearest to the Pin (NTP) competition will also operate for all players on competition days.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday – Flexible Play Days

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the tee sheet will operate as follows:

10:00am to 12:00pm

Members and visitors may choose:

• 9-hole play, or

• 18-hole play (two loops)

2:00pm to 3:00pm

• 9-hole play only

This structure provides flexibility while helping distribute play evenly across the course.

Sunday Tee Sheet

Sunday bookings will initially operate as follows:

10:00am to 11:00am

• 18-hole bookings

11:10am to 11:50am

• 9-hole bookings

2:00pm to 3:00pm

• 9-hole bookings

How will the crossover point work for 18-hole players?

Members playing 18 holes will complete the temporary 9-hole loop twice. To ensure fair and efficient access for all players, those commencing their second loop will not have priority over players beginning their booked round from Hole 1.

At busy times, 18-hole players may be required to wait at the crossover point to allow groups starting their scheduled tee times to commence on time.

This approach is important to:

• maintain orderly tee sheet flow
• protect booked starting times
• reduce congestion around the crossover area
• ensure fair access for all members

The Pro Shop team will monitor flow throughout the day and assist with managing any congestion or delays where necessary.

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How will the crossover point work for 18-hole players?

Members playing 18 holes will complete the temporary 9-hole loop twice. To ensure fair and efficient access for all players, those commencing their second loop will not have priority over players beginning their booked round from Hole 1.

At busy times, 18-hole players may be required to wait at the crossover point to allow groups starting their scheduled tee times to commence on time.

This approach is important to:

• maintain orderly tee sheet flow
• protect booked starting times
• reduce congestion around the crossover area
• ensure fair access for all members

The Pro Shop team will monitor flow throughout the day and assist with managing any congestion or delays where necessary.

How will competitions operate?

Club competitions will continue throughout the project period, although some formats will be adjusted to suit the temporary layout.

The focus during the works period is to:

• maximise member participation

• maintain regular competition golf

• preserve the social atmosphere of club days

• keep play moving efficiently

The temporary format may differ from normal operations, but the aim is to ensure members continue enjoying active and enjoyable competition golf throughout the winter.

Can members still bring guests?

Yes.

Members may continue bringing guests, subject to normal booking availability and course capacity.

As the course will be operating on a reduced footprint, tee times are expected to be in higher demand, so advance bookings are encouraged. Please join up with others.

Will the practice facilities remain open?

Yes, wherever possible.

There may occasionally be temporary restrictions due to:

• machinery movements

• safety zones

• contractor access requirements

Any temporary changes will be communicated in advance where practical.

Will green fees or membership arrangements change during the works?

No.

Membership subscriptions and arrangements will remain unchanged during the project period.

The reasoning is straightforward:

• the Club remains fully operational

• members continue to have access to golf, competitions and facilities

• the works are temporary

• the investment directly benefits the long-term future of the course

This is a major capital improvement project designed to improve course quality and resilience for many years to come.

Green Fee players will be charged our standard winter season rates.

What disruptions should members expect?

Members should expect some disruption during the works period, including:

• machinery operating on course

• contractor vehicles

• trenching and reinstatement works

• construction noise

• temporary fencing and safety zones

• restricted access areas

• occasional pathway or access changes

Members are asked to follow all signage, staff directions and contractor safety instructions at all times.

How are contractor and player safety being managed?

Safety is one of the primary reasons for moving to a temporary 9-hole operation.

The Club and contractors are working closely to:

• separate construction and play areas

• minimise interaction between machinery and golfers

• maintain safe access routes

• establish restricted work zones

• manage contractor movements safely

Members must not enter marked work areas or cross restricted zones.

How will tee usage and temporary tees work?

Because the same 9 holes will experience significantly increased traffic during the winter period, tee management will be important to protect turf quality.

The Club will use various combinations of tee positions to reduce wear and tear on the same tee blocks.

For example:

• the first 9 holes may use White tees

• the second loop for 18-hole play may use Blue tees

Daily tee combinations will be managed by the Pro Shop.

Temporary Artificial Tees

Temporary artificial tees will also be used in high-wear areas during the works period.

These temporary tees:

• form part of the officially rated course setup

• must be used by all players when in place

• help protect key turf areas during winter and construction conditions

Will members receive regular progress updates?

Yes.

The Club will continue providing regular updates throughout the project, including:

• construction progress

• timing updates

• operational changes

• access information

• important milestones

Updates will be provided through member communications, newsletters and Pro Shop notices.

What will the finished result be and why is it worth it?

The completed irrigation system will provide:

• significantly improved water coverage

• more consistent playing surfaces

• healthier turf

• better drought resilience

• improved control over irrigation application

• reduced dry and inconsistent areas

The new dual-line system represents a major long-term investment in the quality and sustainability of the course.

While there will be some short-term inconvenience, the long-term outcome will be a substantially improved golf course and playing experience for members, visitors and future generations of golfers at Queenstown Golf Club.

Need Help With Bookings or Questions?

The Pro Shop team will be available to assist members throughout the temporary 9-hole period.

If you need help with:

• bookings

• understanding the tee sheet

• competition entry

• guest bookings

• temporary course arrangements

• or any general questions regarding the irrigation works

please contact the Pro Shop between 8:30am and 5:00pm.

The team will be happy to help members navigate the temporary arrangements and ensure everyone continues to enjoy their golf throughout the project period.

Thank you for your co-operation and support.

Andrew