Binningup course closure is a blow to town

The pristine greens in Binningup, which have been voted among the top 100 nine-hole golf courses in Australia, will sadly no longer be the area’s home of golf.

Binningup golfers were “heartbroken” after finding out their beloved Lakewood Shores Golf Course would be permanently closed.

The greens were originally shut due to the coronavirus pandemic, however Binningup Golf Club was told the course would not be reopened when the ordeal was over.

The holes have been filled and the flags have been removed, cementing the closure of the club.

Club secretary and life member Tim Hunter, who has been at the club for 23 years, said he was saddened by the news.

“I am heartbroken, the club has been a large chunk of my life,” Mr Hunter said.

“A bunch of people have thoroughly enjoyed playing golf on this course and it will be sorely missed.”

Mr Hunter believed house prices would likely fall due to the closure of the golf course.

“Binningup used to be a town with a beach and a golf course, but now it is just a town with a beach,” he said.

The 80 club members would now have to join neighbouring clubs — with some already signing up to play with the Harvey Golf Club.

Mr Hunter said the club was looking to donate its assets to charity.

He said he did not believe the closure was related to the limestone quarry site proposal which would operate adjacent to the course.

The Lakewood Shores Golf Course manager was contacted, but was unable to comment.

Harvey shire chief executive Annie Riordan said she was aware of the closure and was looking into the matter.