Links course playing out of the rough

The operator of Links Kennedy Bay, which claims to have been named one of the top five public access golf courses in Australia, has gone into liquidation with a large tax debt.

KordaMentha partner John Bumbak was appointed liquidator to PGWA, the operator of the course, last week.

Business News understands PGWA owed $500,000 to the Australian Taxation Office, with about $200,000 to other unsecured creditors.

WABGR, which owns the land, is understood to have taken over operations of the course.

The course will remain open, and its 12 employees will keep their jobs, Business News understands.

“From a golfer’s perspective, you wouldn’t notice any difference,” Mr Bumbak said.

The 18-hole course was opened in 2000.

A spokesperson for WABGR said operations had been surrendered on July 31.

“Golf course maintenance is, and will continue to be, managed by separate entity - McMahons,” she said. 

“WABGR has been quick to act in immediately retaining all senior management and staff members and the golf course will continue to operate business as usual as development begins. 

“All current memberships will be honoured and bar levies will be maintained. Alternative operators will be reviewed in due course.”

The company is planning a 66-hectare property development at Port Kennedy, with a $15 million public works program that will include a new golf clubhouse.

“The first phase of new community infrastructure at Kennedy Bay will include upgrades to The Links Kennedy Bay golf club, including a new restaurant that will be open to the general public in the third quarter of  2021, and the release of 50 residential lots in early 2022,” the spokesperson said.