Pakenham Golf Course to no longer be managed by Golf Services Management

Cardinia Shire Council located on Melbourne’s southeast fringe, has announced that from 1st April 2025, Pakenham Golf Course will no longer be managed by Golf Services Management (GSM).

Council has been working closely with GSM to consider options for them to continue managing the course. Unfortunately, there are no financially viable options for both Council and GSM and they have therefore made the financial decision not to enter into the second term of their contract.

Council noted that the operations and maintenance of Pakenham Golf Course has been financially challenging. Independent audits recently requested by Council and GSM identified issues with the irrigation system and a weed infestation is also impacting playing conditions.

Council has also been working closely with industry leaders who’ve advised that significant investment is required at the course due to infrastructure failure not identified under lease arrangements prior to GSM.

Unfortunately, the type of weed on the course cannot easily be treated and it regenerates, causing an on-going issue. This means it’s possible that the only solution is to completely replace the entire green affected by the weed. The course therefore requires significant financial investment to fix these issues, bring it back to a playable standard and make its operations financially viable. Initial investigations estimate $1.7million would need to be spent to fix issues with the irrigation, greens and fairways. Council needs to fully understand the financial impacts and consider the next steps.

Council is pleased that GSM will continue managing Pakenham Golf Course until the end of March 2025 and has contacted groups with reoccurring bookings at the venue. All other bookings are unaffected.

Council shared “we understand that this news may be disappointing to some of our community. We encourage golfers to visit other courses on offer across the Shire.”