The Taralga Golf Club, located in Upper Lachlan Shire Council, has a rich history dating back to 1985. Originally established by a group of visionaries, the club secured the use of Crown land to create a 9-hole golf course. Due to cost constraints, sand greens were built instead of regular greens.
In the early days, the club faced challenges with limited equipment for maintenance, relying on old second-hand gang mowers that often needed repairs and were towed behind utes. However, despite the difficulties, the Taralga Golf Club persevered.
Unfortunately, the club faced closure in 2001 after the insurance premiums skyrocketed following the September 11th attacks. However, in February 2006, the Lands Department indicated that they would resume the land. This led to a public meeting where it was decided to revive the golf course, recognising its significance as an asset for Taralga.
The Taralga “Sands” golf course was reopened in June 2006, thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers and grants from Veolia and the windfarm. Since then, significant improvements have been made, including the construction of a clubhouse, BBQ area, machinery shed, raised tees, signage, and a new entrance and driveway.
Playing golf on sand greens at the Taralga Golf Club is a unique experience not to be missed. Each hole features a novel flag stick consisting of a metal cross with a removable metal flag and a spoon. Players remove the flag and use the steel cross to rake a smooth surface between their ball and the hole. The spoon is then used to clean out the hole.
Unlike some sand green courses that restrict raking, players at Taralga can rake until they are satisfied with the surface.
Moreover, the course offers magnificent views, making it a joy to walk the 9 holes. Visitors can play as many holes as they like before dark for a fee of $10. An honesty box is available for fee payment, and scorecards can be found in a metal box next to the clubhouse.
Membership at the Taralga Golf Club is a great value at $65. Members have access to a wonderful country course without the need for booking and without the pressure to play faster due to players behind. Membership renewals are due by July 31st, 2023.
For those living more than 100 kilometres from Taralga, the club offers a Country Member category. For an annual fee of $140, Country Members can maintain an official handicap through Golf link.
To learn more about membership or the golf club, interested individuals can contact President Graham Lambert at 4843 8187, Secretary Judy Chalker at 4840 6186, or Treasurer Graham Lambert at 4843 8187.
Whether an avid golfer or someone new to the sport, the Taralga Golf Club welcomes all to come and enjoy a round of golf on their unique sand greens and experience the beauty of the course and its surroundings.