Golfers are hoping the rocky history experienced by the Tallwoods Country Club during its 20 year history has been swept aside after retired businessman Barry Sale, and his daughter Susan Pace bought the run-down course.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Susan is the sales director and fourth generation member of the family operated Goodson Imports, while 77-year-old Barry has kicked back a bit, living the retired life on the Central Coast.
The partners are thrilled with their new venture, which Barry said was almost by accident.
Barry was catching up with a local friend from his soccer playing days in Bankstown for a birthday celebration back in September.
Arriving at the Tallwoods home from the ‘back’ entrance, Barry was surprised to find what he thought was a pretty impressive golf course. He was even more impressed, and quietly excited to learn the course was on the market.
Of course, he consulted Susan who had what she described as a positive gut feeling about the proposed purchase.
The purchase, which Barry considered was a bargain, but not money well spent, was the family’s first investment outside ‘bricks and mortar’.
“Golf courses are not considered the most profitable investment around. But, we can make it work,” Barry said.
When Tallwoods opened in 1999 the course was for the exclusive use of residents only.
At the time the 18-hole course was applauded for the ‘quality, condition and sheer beauty’.
Tallwoods has undergone a succession of ‘dubious’ and colourful owners including the leading figure of a Chinese consortium – which took control – and who wound up meeting his demise with the authorities.
And, during a hectic 10-day period the site went through three potential owners before a resident took over.
While Susan and Barry don’t have any background in golf management, they have already stepped up to the tee, cleaning up the mountains of rubbish, fertilising the greens, upgrading office software, purchasing new outside equipment, while new golf carts have been ordered.
Plans are on the drawing board to introduce on-course accommodation with the development of 21 2-3-bedroom eco-friendly cabins along with Barry’s pet project, the construction of a chapel.
“This is not just a golf course, it is a village. I have always loved bush chapels.”
Barry said this passion grew from his 20-years as a Scout commissioner running training camps and regular trips to the iconic Green Cathedral, Tiona.
Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
