BANDIANA Army Golf Club will close its doors in November, but members are angry the course could be off-limits even sooner.
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The Australian Defence Force has notified members of the course, which opened in 1949, that its support in maintaining the facility will cease on June 30.
Some long-term members could be shut out even sooner with their memberships and accompanying security passes to gain entry to the course on Army land are due to expire in coming weeks.
Members Bob Murphy and Bob Whitehead are upset at being required to undergo and pay for a police check to keep playing.
A recent notice to members obtained by The Border Mail states: “There is no way of obtaining a waiver of obtaining a new security pass if your pass expires before golf ceases.
“So if your pass will expire and you have not yet obtained a police check, the decision to play on or cease playing is yours.”
Mr Murphy described the move as “mean spirited” and a slap in the face for members who had been playing at the course for more than 30 years.
“We've got no grievance with the Bandiana Golf Club committee because they've done everything possible to keep it going until November,” he said.
“Defence has given us no latitude whatsoever and it's mean spirited.”
Mr Whitehead said he would be prepared to pay for the police check if it meant the course remained open for another 12 months.
“For 40 years we've never needed one,” he said.
Club president Brian Prentice confirmed the course's demise was imminent with increased security measures since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the US playing a major role.
"We knew this day was going to come," he said.
"We know we'’ve pretty much been playing cricket on someone else's pitch.
"But it's still a shame."
The 18-hole layout with sand greens cost $40,000 to maintain in 2004, according to Defence Department documents.
The club's present membership is around 150 with an estimated 50 active male and female players.
It's unclear what the land will be used for when golf ceases later this year.
The Defence Department was approached for comment by The Border Mail, but has not responded.