COTTESLOE GOLF CLUB COURSE IMPROVEMENT WORKS

Sector: Commercial

Client: Cottesloe Golf Club

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Background

Commencing in 2019, Cottesloe Golf Club in Perth, Western Australia embarked on a staged program of works designed to achieve completion of the “Marsh Masterplan”. The works included reconstruction of the final 5 holes, complete replacement of the irrigation system and infrastructure, replacement of all the greens and practice facilities (with 777) including the reshaping and re-positioning of the fairway and greenside bunkers. The work was completed in three phases, with the least amount of disruption to members as practically possible. The final phase was handed over ahead of opening day of the 2024 season.

WHAT WE DID

The Projects were managed on a voluntary basis by a sub-committee of Cottesloe Club Members. The sub-committee comprised individuals (including Past and Current Presidents) who are skilled in the delivery of complex projects.

The team at McGarry Associates (MGA), under the guidance of its Managing Director and CGC member, Sean McGarry provided key commercial support including:

Developing Estimates (Budgets)
Contributing to the Tendering and Contracting Strategies
Preparing Tender Pricing Schedules
Tender Analysis & Contract Award
Verifying Variations
Certifying Progress Claims
Contract Administration
Cost Reporting
Final Account Close Out

Golf course modification projects are challenging, in many respects including:

Managing the interface between contractors and golf operations
Having a contract which caters for managing subtle adjustments of the design on the go, whilst protecting the club’s commercial interests
Fixed completion dates
Potential disturbance of in-ground services (irrigation and potable water)

Potential for the existence of rock or other adverse ground conditions.

HOW IT TURNED OUT

From a cost and commercial viewpoint, all phases of the project were delivered successfully. With some very minor exceptions, all phases were completed within both time and budget. The relationships with all contractors engaged for the works were amicable, with zero claims of a commercial nature received. All minor variation works were agreed without the need for any protracted negotiations.

“…For Boards and Executives considering major work, expertise in this area is underestimated. Projects can easily be blown out with variations and run the risk of defects and gaps in scope of works without this specialist knowledge. The team at MGA ensured this project and major capital investment was well managed to time and budget, removing risk and stress for the project team…” Tracey-Lea Tiley, CEO at Cottesloe Golf Club