Lifting the current golfing membership from 500 will be one of his tasks. And it's a challenge he's looking forward to.

"I know it's not going to be easy,'' the 53-year-old reasoned.

"But I love the game and it's something I want to do.''

He said Taree has one of the best courses on the coast and beyond. While it's far from under utilised, Mr Ison believes more people should be enjoying both the course and the game.

However, he understands there are some hurdles.

"Golf's not a cheap sport,'' he said.

"And it's not an easy one either.''

Mr Ison said the Taree club is attracting solid fields.

"We had 95 playing here last Thursday, which was great,'' he said.

More than 100 play regularly on Saturdays depending on the weather conditions. There was a field o 124 for last Saturday's open day.

But Ison believes it's not an impossible dream to increase the playing membership by around 250.

"It's not going to be easy I know, but I think that is achievable.''

On Sunday the club will take part in the national Come and Try Golf Day and that has a number of promotions that Mr Ison hopes will give the membership figures a boost (see story page 22).

"And I'm also putting together a few package deals for travelling golfers along with social golf clubs. We're not just looking to get people playing golf at Taree, we want to get people to come to this area and stay at our motels and spend money in the town.''

Mr Ison is also happy to work in with other sporting organisations by way of co-promotions for major events.

"We can put on a special event for them - a four ball or something like that - in conjunction,'' he said.

Mr Ison admits the club needs to attract more juniors, saying the current figure is 'ordinary.'

"Eventually I'd like to get into the schools and work with them - that's another area we'll be looking at,'' he said.

He also wants the club to host at least one but hopefully two major fund raising days.

"We'll look to assist a local organisation - whether it be the hospital or the Nita Reed House or something like that and get the community involved. We might also get some new members from those days,'' he explained.

Mr Ison's been playing golf for 30 years.

His handicap was down to 1.6 at one stage.

These days he's comfortable playing off anywhere between five and seven.

"I play in competition or practice four days a week,'' he said.

"But there's a vast difference between playing golf and playing well.''

However, he firmly believes it is a game more people should be playing here, well or otherwise.