New clubhouse draws big crowd

Members and supporters of the Pemberton Golf Club gathered at the course on Saturday for the official opening of the new clubhouse.

More than 100 people attended the opening, including four life members Ken and Don Littlefair, Eric Moltoni and John Bendotti.

Bendotti was one of the driving forces behind the project to replace the old building.

He said the project, which cost more than $400,000, was a result of the Pemberton community’s generosity.

“We fundraised $230,000 in three years by growing spuds, hay, cattle, pumpkins, avocado trees and fencing contracting,” he said.

The project was also funded by a Manjimup Shire Council grant of $60,000 and a loan from the council for $140,000 over 10 years.

“The result is outstanding, we are the envy of every club in the Warren Blackwood region for what we have here,” Bendotti said.

“We have an honour board for everyone who donated, fundraised or supported us.

“Everyone on that board deserves to be there for what they gave to us.”

While the building was functional for the 2018 King Karri Kup, it was completely finished, including landscaping, this year.

“This wouldn’t have happened without the generosity of the people,” Bendotti said.

“We had a fundraising committee at the start, but then everyone got involved.”

Club vice-president Steve Fisher also thanked the community for its support.

“We’d be much farther behind without them,” he said.

Now that the clubhouse has been completed, Bendotti said there was always more work to be done.

The next focus will be on upgrading and maintaining the greens and course.