Round 5 commenced on an overcast Sunday morning, with the rain holding off for the start of play.
The opening nine holes were fiercely contested, with all matches tightly fought. At the turn, the overall team result was evenly poised, reflecting just how close the contest was.
Macquarie Links secured the first completed match, before Cumberland responded through Joshua Madeleine, who delivered an outstanding 5&3 victory to get the team on the board.
From there, the results seesawed, with both sides claiming crucial wins as the morning unfolded.
The final outcome came down to Jordan Ross and Joshua Russo, who both produced under pressure. Jordan secured a 1up victory on the 18th hole, while Joshua fought back bravely to square his match, ensuring the overall team result ended all square.
Match Highlights:
· Duncan Bowen continued his outstanding form, securing a commanding 6&4 victory to remain undefeated after five matches.
· Joshua Madeleine produced a superb 5&3 win in a dominant display.
· Jordan Ross, all square on the 18th tee, produced what could well be the shot of the day—if not the season—to claim a memorable 1‑up victory.
· Joshua Russo, trailing by two for much of the back nine, showed tremendous composure by birdieing the 17th and 18th holes to square his match.
· In the reserve match, Hayden Smith squared his match, providing valuable support to the overall team effort.
It was a pleasing away result for the team, highlighted by strong performances across the board.
The half point puts us in a strong position, and a solid home‑course victory next week will give us a very good chance of progressing to the semi‑finals.
A sincere thank you to all the caddies who continue to support the players each week—your contribution plays an important role in the results we achieve.
Final Result: Cumberland 3.5 tied Macquarie Links 3.5
A huge thank you to all the family, friends, and members who came out to support the team. Your encouragement is genuinely appreciated and always makes a difference.
Our next match is on Sunday, 8 March at Cumberland, with a 7:00 am tee‑off. We would love to see as many supporters there as possible to cheer the team on.
Individual Results:
1. Isaak Pemble – lost 3&2
2. Joshua Russo – match halved
3. Duncan Bowen – won 6&4
4. Jordan Ross – won 1up
5. Joshua Madeleine – won 5&3
6. Sean Moylan – lost 5&4
7. Liam Sherry – lost 3&2
Res. Hayden Smith – match halved
Matt Andrew Team Manager
Women’s Grade Round 2 – Cumberland vs Mona Vale at Penrith GC 20/2/26
The team enjoyed a later start this morning at Penrith GC against traditionally tough opponents- Mona Vale.
With the vital support of their caddies, congratulations go to our girls winning 3:2!
Individual scores
Jacinta Toberty won 3/2
Eunmi Pyun lost 3/1
Soon Lee lost 6/4
SuJin Yoo won 3/2
Jessica Kim won 2 up
Next Friday the team take on Woolooware at Mona Vale GC.
As we come closer to end of another year, I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Board of Directors wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
2025 has been a landmark year for Cumberland with a number of notables; we are seeing the new course become a reality with massive earthworks and new holes taking shape, a new cart fleet with the latest features, a healthy number of new members, overcoming the challenges of severe weather events that have led to course closures. Our overall results show that we are in good shape with a bright future.
We must acknowledge our fantastic club staff in all departments ie Admin, Bar, Course and also the staff in the Restaurant and Pro Shop. Most of all, as I often say, this is such a great Club because of you the Members, so we thank you as well.
DIGGERS DAY 2025
Last month we held our annual Diggers Day Event to acknowledge our great service men and woman who have served our country and to raise much needed funds for Legacy. It was a fantastic day and we raised an all time record donation of $11,720. A donation cheque was accepted by Junior Legatee, Rhys Cassidy who gave a talk on his life as a Legatee and how Legacy supported he and his family. A very moving and impressive presentation.
Our volunteers stepped up again with Patrick Peppin, Jeff McGeorge and Les O’Neill manning the BBQ for lunch and the ever dapper John Kenyon supplying tasty snacks on the course. Thanks guys for your efforts.
Ken Moyle and Bernie Herrenberg once again conducted the solemn Remembrance Ceremony with Ken reminding us of the sacrifices our veterans made.
One of the many highlights of the day was Vietnam Veteran Des Spurrier winning the AIF Shield with a score of 38 points. It was nice to see that Des had played with his son Adrian who travelled out from Bondi to join his dad for the event.
THE LONGEST DAY
On December 4th Cumberland will be a host club for this years Longest Day where players commit to play 72 holes in one day to raise money for the Cancer Council. If you’d like to support this great cause go to the Cumberland team page at the following link to either register or donate as a part of our team. https://www.longestday.org.au/fundraisers/CumberlandGolfClub
Donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Well done to the members who have already registered to take on this challenge and congratulations on your fundraising to date, collectively raising almost $5,000 for the Cancer Council.
Best of luck on Thursday to Joe Basile, Daniel Kolenko, Clive Aviet, Brian Cooper, Chris Wering, Charlie Challita, Elias Saab, and James Arrow
FAREWELL TO KATIE
After much consideration, Katie has finished up in the restaurant as she takes the next steps in her journey.
Katie has been a part of Harmony and Cumberland for the better part of the last 10 years, during which time she has become a familiar and friendly face to many of our members, staff, and visitors. Many of you may have noticed Katie wearing a wrist support while on shift in recent times. Unfortunately, an ongoing wrist injury has become too much, and she has had to make the difficult decision to step away from her role in the restaurant.
Katie’s dedication, warmth, and professionalism over the years have left a lasting impression, and she will be dearly missed by members, staff, and the many visitors she has served throughout her time with us.
We sincerely thank Katie for her outstanding contribution to the Club and wish her all the very best for the future.
Denis Clifford
Club President
Our Club Championships have been run and won for another year. Congratulations to all who participated. Our winners have once again distinguished themselves as our Clubs best! A massive congratulations goes out to them
No doubt you have all noticed the progress of the course works which is impressive to say the least. Once again, I take this time to remind you that retrieving golf balls from work areas is not allowed. Please take the necessary relief and continue playing the hole you’re on. And again, to help with the pace play please call up on as many par 3’s as you can.
Our Admin staff and Board have been monitoring late cancellations from the time sheet. Please be mindful that cancelling your round on the day of play is not in the best interests of your fellow members. At this time, I would ask you to cancel your round the day before to give us the best chance of filling your spot.
With Christmas just around the corner I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. As I wrap up my first year as Captain, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your ongoing support! It has been a steep but enjoyable learning curve and I look forward to many more spirited conversations as we move forward as a Club.
Keep up the great play
Shannon Bridger Club Captain
Course Update – Enabling Works
Work continues steadily across the course, with major progress being made on several key areas. Works currently include enlarging the 9th dam and constructing the new 9th, 17th and 18th holes. This phase of the redevelopment remains on track for completion in early 2026.
As construction progresses, the architect’s intent is becoming increasingly evident — short holes do not always play easy. Classic examples include the 15th at Victoria Golf Club or the 4th at Barnbougle Dunes: short, but punishing if you miss the green in the wrong position.
Construction has now commenced on the 9th hole (previously the 18th). Members will soon see a series of bunkers built down the left-hand side to protect the green. For the longer hitter, a genuine risk-and-reward opportunity will be presented, raising the question: which risk profile will you take when playing the hole?
Turf has now been laid on the surrounds of the 17th hole, with seeding being carried out today. The concrete cart path on the new 10th hole has also now been laid, further improving access and course flow.
The 11th and 14th holes are now in the growing-in stage, with grass coverage looking particularly healthy. The fairway turf root structure is well embedded, and mowing has now commenced.
In the coming days, the temporary bridge on the 3rd hole will be removed, and the new cart bridge will be opened for use. Please note the pedestrian bridge on the right-hand side will remain closed while final turfing works are completed.Work continues on the final stages focusing on:
Member Safety and Patience
Thank you to all members for your continued patience during these works. Please:
Observe and follow all directional signage
Avoid entering any work zones for your safety
Course etiquette reminder: Unrepaired lob marks and unraked bunkers negatively affect play conditions. What are you doing to protect our course?
Martin Smith Vice Captain Chair of the Greens Committee
LADIES PRESIDENT REPORT
We are finishing off our official golfing year in the spirit of the season.
Last Tuesday, 25th we held our annual Hams Day event. It was good to see everyone dressed in happy Christmas colours. Judging by the noise in the room during lunch, it would seem that everyone was enjoying themselves. Thank you ladies, for supporting the raffle so well.
Congratulations to the golf winners, and to Margaret Maclean who won the ham raffle. Marg was a previous member at Cumberland who joined us on the day.
A very special thank you to the club for their continued and generous support of this day. It’s much appreciated.
Tuesday 2nd we hope to see Santa and his (her), elf further spreading a little more cheer across the course, during your round.
Christmas lunch will be held on Tuesday 9th. It’s a great opportunity to mix and mingle, whilst enjoying a special lunch provided by Andrew and the kitchen staff. Thank you to all the ladies who have helped out in any way during the year to get things done. Thank you to Tracey and Tricia for all your work behind the scenes in regard to all things golf.
I hope you all get to enjoy, with your families and friends, this special time of the year. For those who may be travelling, enjoy and stay safe.
Barbara Cocks
Ladies President
LADY CAPTAIN’S REPORT
The Ladies Matchplay Championship wrapped up on 18/11. Congratulations to Division 1 winner Sally Son, Division 2 winner Michelle McPherson and Division 3 winner Christine Chadwick.
Our Christmas Hams day on 25/11 was a huge success, although regretfully our visitor numbers were down this year. Everyone got into the Christmas spirit and enjoyed the after golf festivities, raffles and prizes, especially the winners of the half leg hams and the turkey rolls.
As the ladies committee run competition year winds up, I would like to thank President Barb and Vice Captain Tricia and the many ladies who give up their time to set up and decorate for our special days throughout the year and for their help and support in making our ladies golf events enjoyable and memorable.
The Tuesday Ladies Summer competition commences on 16/12. Please book in as normal in the morning block time.
Merry Christmas wishes and great golfing in the New Year!
Good golfing Ladies! Tracey Hilton (Ladies Captain)
Well Hello again all from the Proshop in December. As always, we have everything instore to fill under the tree as well as the little stocking stuffers to keep every happy.
Check out our Christmas catalogue which will launch via email this week. If you don’t receive your copy, make sure to contact us immediately so you don’t miss this years’ Christmas savings.
GIFT VOUCHERS – the best way to make sure your loved one gets exactly what they want. We are happy to make up vouchers for ANY amount, and they have no expiry date so no rush choosing something.
Our Shoe sale continues for the couple of superceding Footjoy models – note these are for in store stock only and we still have a huge range of demo putters and wedges in the shop to try immediately.
This month’s tip comes from our very own Joanne Bannerman: Never underestimate the importance of putter fitting. The club you use the most every round is often the least likely to be customized to you. We have the best putter analysing right here instore – SAM Puttlab gives you all the data needed to get the exact right putter in your hands and start making more putts today. Book in or just come and have a chat. Well, that’s great advice Joanne – wise words from our Head Professional.
Lessons are always available with Joanne, Myo, Alex and Arthur by appointment, along with our ongoing specific clinics.
For any of your golfing needs call into the Pro Shop and talk to our friendly staff.
Joanne, Matthew, Myo, Arthur, Luke, Alex and the Juniors.
CEO Update GOLF COURSE WORKS CURRENT PROGRESS & OUTLOOK
Stage 2
Fairway creek Construction
The reconstruction of the creek crossing the 2nd fairway is approximately 80% complete. Remaining works include:
Installation of a new cart bridge and pedestrian bridge
Minor shaping and landscaping along both sides of the creek
Sand Slit Drainage (2nd Fairway)
The visible trenches on the right-hand side of the 2nd fairway are part of a new sand slit drainage system.
These drainage lines will extend laterally across the fairway, improving water dispersal and playability.
Works will be scheduled outside of competition play to minimise disruption
New Pump Station
A new pump station is currently being installed between the two dams on the 2nd fairway. This will allow water to be pumped from either dam independently or simultaneously, depending on operational requirements.
The upgrade provides the Superintendent with increased flexibility and access to a greater volume of water when needed. Additionally, the project includes the modernisation of associated infrastructure and equipment, further enhancing the club’s irrigation capabilities. ( indicative size & location as shown in image)
New 14th Green
Progress is strong with:
Drainage, irrigation, and greens profile expected to be completed within days.
Barring delays, full completion of this section is anticipated in the coming weeks.
11th Green & Dam Wall
The new 11th green is taking shape, however: Delays were encountered due to the unsuitability of the existing rock wall on the dam’s edge, requiring further construction. The dam has been emptied to allow installation of a new stormwater pit plus construction of the new rock wall
Turfing and Seeding
Once earthworks are complete:
All affected areas will be solid turfed
Greens will be seeded
All heavy machinery will then relocate for commencement of Stage 3
Stage 3-Timeline
We are targeting an early October commencement for Stage 3, with completion aimed for the first week of February 2026.
I will provide further details as this stage progresses
Following the construction phase:
A 3-month grow-in period will be required for turf and greens to properly establish. This phase will represent a major milestone—bringing us significantly closer to unveiling the new course layout.
Once playable, the existing 1st hole will close, and all members and visitors will transition to playing the new course in its entirety. As always I encourage members who may have questions or hear some stories, which may not be true, to please come and see me and I will provide you with facts
Thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we continue to transform Cumberland for the future.
Warm regards,
Andrew Laplain CCM
CEO – Cumberland Country Golf Club
We have finally been given Development Approval. This week the Minister for Planning and the Environment approved our Development Application for a new clubhouse, retirement living apartments, a high care facility and new golf course works.
This is one of the most exciting times in the 88 year history of our great club. In 2020 we entered into a partnership with Pariter Pty Ltd. Since that time, the Pariter Team have worked tirelessly with our Board to progress our dream of building a new clubhouse, upgrading our course and securing our financial future as an independent top class golf club.
Within the next few weeks, Flemmings, our course contractors will begin work on the re-designed holes with a time-line of about 12 months. Once that is completed, work will start on the new clubhouse, the high care facility and residences in stage 1, which is basically along the existing 1st hole.
Temporary course changes and ratings will be circulated shortly.
In further good news, Cumberland has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious ClubsNSW 2025 ‘Heart of the Community Award’. Once again, we are punching above our weight in the club industry up against much bigger clubs such as Parramatta Leagues, Mounties, Club Marconi and Castle Hill RSL Club just to name a few of the other finalists. The winning club will be announced in June, and we’ll keep you informed of the result.
All of this is thanks to you the members and once again we thank you for your support.
Denis Clifford (Club President) On behalf of the Board of Directors
I am happy to advise that the first construction works to facilitate the development are about to commence. As many of you are aware, we are embarking on an exciting journey to enhance our course and clubhouse, and I am thrilled to share an important update with you.
Construction of the temporary greens is set to commence on April 2nd. Once completed these greens will allow for uninterrupted 18 holes of play during the course enabling works.
These temporary greens will be located on the 2nd, 4th, 9th, and 18th holes and are indicated on the Map below.
During the construction phase and until the temporary greens are ready for play, it’s essential to note that the areas occupied by these temporary greens will be designated as compulsory ground under repair (GUR). This designation ensures the safety and fairness of play during this transitional period.
During construction of these greens, our spare Lake Johnson hole and temporary course ratings will be utilised. These adjustments are necessary to maintain the integrity and quality of your golfing experience throughout the development process.
We understand that these changes may bring some adjustments to your regular game, but we assure you that every effort is being made to minimise disruptions and ensure a seamless transition. Your patience and understanding during this time are greatly appreciated as we work towards creating an even better golfing environment for all our members.
Please stay tuned for further updates as construction progresses. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our club’s growth and improvement.
With the latest news, our development partner Partier are on the eve of lodging a Development Application for the Independent Living Units. I thought I should take some time to highlight the pending changes to our current 2nd, 4th, 5th, 9th and 18th holes. These changes are displayed in the Clubhouse as well as in the body of this newsletter.
The back nine will commence on the existing 6th, there is no change to this hole. On completion of the hole, you will wander down to the new 11th hole, which is situated behind the new 14th.
The new 11th is the combination of part of the current 4th and 5th holes. It will traverse around the big gum which currently cohabitates with the fairway bunker on the existing 4th and then you will trek down to the area where the current 5th green is situated. The dam will be slightly enlarged, and the green side dam wall raised and beautified.
The cart path currently adjacent to the green will be removed to allow the green to flow into the dam. The path repositioned on the left of the green, will provide an access to the 12th (existing 2nd hole) which will remain as is but will have a small creek installed at the base of the gully heading up to the green. The creek in part is an architectural design feature but also to weatherproof the course in that area. As we all saw in the big wet of 2022, this area was impassable. On playing the hole, players will need to decide on the reward for risk aspect when approaching the shot into the green.
The 14th hole is utilising the first third of the existing 4th hole and has been designed with a small pond protecting the front left-hand side of the green. This pond will be the water source for the wee burn that will flow across the gully on our existing 2nd. The long hitters will question, reward for risk at 290 metres. There will be a number of ways to play this hole. The green will slope back to front and will have bunkering at the rear to catch any long shots.
The existing 9th will be shaped into two holes. The first a par 4 measuring 307 metres played from the existing 9th tees, the green will be guarded by strategically placed bunkers.
Utilising the remaining parts of the existing 9th hole, the new 18th will be across the enlarged dam, measuring 129 metres and protected by the dam and bunkers at the rear. The design incorporates a bail out zone located on the right for those not wanting to take on the water.
The clubhouse terrace will be situated between the 9th and 18th greens, so expect many an afternoon cheering as players challenge the 18th hole across the great expanse of water.
The new 9th will be played from the existing 18th tee and the new hole will play 449 metres. The existing 18th green will be relocated and new bunkers created.
The Par for the new course when opened will be 70 and will measure 5532 metres or 6050 yards. The course will see several dams enlarged, a new pond, new bunkers and 3 new USGA standard greens built. The course’s make up will be 3 x par 5’s, 10 x par 4’s, and 5 x par 3’s. The final design will be subject to approval under a Development Application.
In the first half of 2024, work will commence on the construction of the temporary greens required to ensure we have a full 18 hole golf course during the Course Enabling works.
Temporary Course Design in Three Stages
There will be some disruption to the course over the period of the enabling works, and all efforts will be undertaken to provide members an enjoyable experience while we transition to the new course.
Preparations are now underway to build the four (4) temporary greens so the enabling works can commence once the Development Application is approved.
Stage 1 – Par 71
A new temporary green is to be constructed on the 2nd fairway prior to the rise leading to the existing green, to enable the trenching of the wee burn. The hole will play as a Par 4. The construction of the wee burn is highlighted in green and blue.
Stage 2 – Par 68
A new temporary green is to be situated on 9th fairway prior to the dip, to enable the construction works to commence on Lake Johnson. The 18th will play as a par 5, the constructions zone is highlighted in colour.
Stage 3 – Par 64
New temporaries constructed on the 4th and 18th fairway, to enable the construction works on the existing 4th and 5th holes to be undertaken. The temporary on the 2nd to be reinstated and a par 3 to the existing 2nd green created. The 5th hole will play as a par 3, the shorten 6th hole will be played as a par 3. The 9th will play as a par 4 and on finishing the hole, players will walk across to the shorten 10th hole as indicated by the blue dotted line. The construction zone is highlighted in colour.
The Board wish to thank you for your patience and engagement as we watch the future of Cumberland Country Golf Club develop.
Martin Smith
Chairman of the Greens Committee On behalf of the Board of Directors
Well done to the members who have already registered to take on this challenge and congratulations on your fundraising to date, collectively raising almost $5,000 for the Cancer Council.
