Kristy Strong, Randwick Golf Club

This year was the first time the Club had entered the competition, and we really didn’t know what to expect from it. Over the competition weeks, I quickly learned that it gave an opportunity for our little hidden gem of a Club to become a little less hidden.

We were especially thrilled when Perfect Plate ambassador and celebrity chef, Matt Moran, came out to Randwick Golf Club to try the dish we had entered in the competition — Lamb Three Ways. There was many a photo taken and shared that day!

We are now offering this winning dish as one of Bay Window’s regular specials at the Club.

The fun doesn’t stop there for Randwick Golf Club. We have recently kicked off our ‘Sunday Sessions’. These run from 2pm to 6pm every Sunday, no matter the weather. We have raffles, pizza specials, live music and discounted drinks. Sundays are now regularly fully booked.

When working on marketing ideas for the Club over the years, I have never been convinced that there was much benefit to a discounted drinks special. In this instance, when combined with the other offerings, it was just what the community had been looking for in a weekly Sunday Session. It really is a must-do for any club looking to boost their patronage.

I know it’s not all fun and success when running clubs. I understand the pressures of running a small club and the many roles a CEO must play at times. One day you’re sitting at your desk marvelling at how much “CEO work” you were able to get done and the next day you are up in the bar covering a shift or out on the golf course wondering how that cart ended up on its roof in a bunker! And for those of us who were at the helm during COVID, what a challenge that was.

We know that people in our community are ready to socialise and mingle again. They are looking for atmosphere and entertainment, good food and drink service, and all at a reasonable price — particularly given the increasing cost of living pressures. When they walk into Randwick Golf Club, they know they have found their one-stop shop.