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Green to Envy
Werribee Golf Course
Steeped in rich history and boasting breathtaking views, Werribee Park Golf Club is a slice of heaven tucked away in Melbourne’s south-west. Since 1976, this 18-hole course has made its home among spectacular red cliffs towering over the picturesque Werribee River.
Mark Findlay is at the helm of the club, responsible for keeping the course in top condition. “It can be a demanding job, but it’s all worth it to deliver the best quality turf for a great game and create a beautiful and relaxing landscape for our members,” Mark says.
Mark has been caring for golf courses for nearly 30 years, starting his golfing journey at Werribee Park at just 12 years old. At 16, he was offered an apprenticeship, and he hasn’t looked back since. Since then, he’s worked his way up to superintendent and extended his passion for turf by joining the Australian Sports Turf Management Association board. “We provide support, education and advocacy for all kinds of sporting grounds, but golf courses are where I feel most at home, particularly Werribee Park,” Mark explains.
After a challenging few years following the Covid-19 pandemic, Mark has developed a 10-year master plan to level up Werribee Park, with the help of Kubota machinery.
“We’ve built a first-class golf course architecture and sports turf management team. Over the last 12 months we’ve developed a comprehensive plan to take Werribee Park’s golf course to new heights. It’s been fantastic to involve our members throughout this process to create a shared vision for the club,” Mark reflects.
Taking a holistic approach, the plan promises to make improvements across the board, while maintaining strong links to the history of the course, including its original architecture.
“What I love, and what our members love about the course design, is no two holes are the same. From the beginning, our master plan has been based on the idea of making improvements, not changes,” Mark advises. “Most of our members have been coming to the club since they were kids. There’s a rich connection to the course. These projects seek to bring out the best features across the property without altering it beyond recognition.” The project kicked off in June 2023 when the 55-hectare course had a complete overhaul to its irrigation system, which plays a vital role in keeping the turf healthy and vibrant all year round. To protect the course from flooding, which has previously left it waterlogged and damaged, Mark has laid nearly 10 kilometres of piping to move to an underground irrigation system, rather than above ground.
"I WAS TOLD IT COULDN’T BE DONE... BUT IT CAN BE DONE"
“The master plan will also see a transformation of the course’s 18th hole, including moving the tee, rearranging bunkers, and reshaping the fairway, to help move play away from a cliff. Our local dealer, Godings, suggested Kubota machinery, based on the work that needs to be done. When considering our options, Kubota came out on top for features, functionality and value,” Mark says.
“We couldn’t be happier with the equipment. It’s reliable, and when you’re working to keep a course pristine, that’s what you need.”
Mark relies on his LM315 ride-on greens mower and the ZD diesel zero turn mower to keep the course’s fairways, greens and roughs well looked after. He also has several Kubota RTV utility vehicles, a B3150 tractor, and he’s awaiting the arrival of a brand new L40 Series tractor. As the master plan comes into effect, Mark is looking forward to welcoming new members, hosting tournaments and supporting future generations of golfers.
“With help of Godings and our range of Kubota machinery I know the equipment side of things is well taken care of,” says Mark. “To think what the next few years hold for the course. It’s an exciting time to be a member at Werribee Park Golf Club.”
