By Antoinette Milienos for Daily Mail Australia
03:20 November 19, 2023, updated 03:53 November 19, 2023
Members of a prestigious Victoria golf club are the latest to join a revolt against the state’s former premier. Daniel Andrews access “potential memberships”.
Members of the Mornington Peninsula National Golf Club have sent a letter to the club committee outlining their clear position against Mr Andrews’ membership.
The former state chief minister is unpopular among the golfing community due to his strict attitude. COVID-19(female rules, particularly when it included the Mornington Peninsula in metropolitan restrictions and banned sport during the pandemic.
It comes after the Prime Minister’s former companion, Max Beck, made a subtle approach to power brokers at Portsea Golf Club to ask if Mr Andrews could join him.
Mr Andrews was reportedly told he would not do so – but club president Phil Cramer denied the claims, saying the ex-prime minister had not even formally submitted an application.
One member of the National Golf Club bragged about hitting a golf ball with the ex-prime minister’s face printed on it, while another had his number plate personalized on his BMW.
“FUDA,” the license plate said.
The letters are an abbreviation of the phrase: “F*** you Dan Andrews”.
The letter, from members of the National Golf Club, urges the committee to adhere to its standard membership process when assessing Mr Andrews’ application.
This includes the “crucial” step of sharing an applicant’s name on the club’s notice board for 21 days from submission of the application.
He also expressed the opinion of more than 100 golfers, saying Mr Andrews does not have the qualities that align with the “core values of the club”.
“It is imperative that any potential member, including Mr. Andrews, aligns with the core values of our golf club,” reads the letter obtained by the Sun Herald said.
“Demonstrate good character, sociability and a genuine interest in meeting and making friends with other members.
“Unfortunately, it is noted that Mr. Andrews does not have these qualities, and his inability to remember the scores of each hole due to poor memory further highlights concerns about his compatibility with our club.”
Club members also questioned whether Mr Andrews’ potential membership would be a subject under consideration at the club’s annual general meeting on Sunday.
Mr Andrews once played as a guest at the National Golf Club alongside property baron and confidant Max Beck.
His appearance at the golfing mecca of Cape Schanck was marred by controversy as he was allowed to play a round on the morning of the Grand Final despite rules prohibiting guests from reaching the green at that time.
It comes after the president of another elite golf club denied claims he blocked Mr Andrews’ admission as a member, insisting he would consider a membership application of the former premier of Victoria.
Earlier this week it was claimed that members of Portsea Golf Club had blocked an approach from Andrews after his friend and real estate mogul Max Beck made a touch inquiry on his behalf.
However, club president Phil Cramer sent out a “membership update” clarifying that all applications will be welcomed despite negative reactions from members.
Gaining access to elite golf clubs is no easy feat, with many requiring strict entry requirements and dress codes.
Being able to pay club dues is only part of the criteria for potential members, with applicants also judged on their character, golfing skills and compatibility with existing members.
Entry requirements generally involve being nominated by an existing member, producing referees, interviews, voting, and review before a subcommittee.
If and when a new member is allowed to join a club, then their membership can only be “provisional” for one year.
New members will also be subject to strict dress and etiquette codes – with one club banning players from wearing blue denim jeans.
Here are the rules for just three of the state’s prestigious golf clubs.
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is one of Victoria’s most prestigious golf courses, dating back to 1891, and has a strict membership process.
Membership fees are not disclosed but applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to pay the fees.
Candidates must be nominated by an existing member and submit a form with required documentation before they can be considered by the committee and considered to be of “good moral character and reputation.”
If approved, they undergo an interview with the membership committee before their membership is put to a vote.
Membership is considered “provisional” for one year, with the applicant required to complete an orientation program and adhere to a strict dress code including a collared shirt, fitted pants and appropriate golf shoes.
At Portsea Golf Club, prospective golfers are “welcomed” and “encouraged” to inquire about memberships.
Prospective members must complete an application form and benefit from the recommendation of two current members.
All new applications are reviewed monthly by the Board of Directors and are subject to approval, with the Board of Directors reserving the right to refuse a potential member.
Male members of Portsea Golf Club must wear a collared shirt and neat trousers or ‘walking shorts’. Socks must also be worn and must be predominantly white.
For female golfers, a “neat and tidy” dress code is expected, with a collared shirt worn at all times.
Culottes, golf skirts, neat pants and shorts are permitted and socks must be worn, while leisure suits, ski pants, leggings, swim or board shorts, clothing with slogans or advertising messages as well as flip-flops and swimsuits are all prohibited.
At Barwon Heads Golf Club, a prospective member must be nominated and seconded by two voting members who have been adult members for at least five years.
The candidates’ nominations must then be supported by three other voting members, who will act as arbitrators.
The application is first heard at a membership subcommittee meeting and then tabled at the club committee meeting before the candidate’s name is distributed to all voting members for comment.
The potential member, accompanied by the person who nominated them, is then invited to meet with two members of the subcommittee before being eligible for election as a member.
The club’s strict dress code prohibits members from wearing blue denim clothing, collarless shirts, singlets, beachwear, flip-flops, leggings, sportswear, tracksuits, cargo pants, shorts casuals, football shorts, open shoes and designer clothing.
Members must wear a tucked-in collared shirt or polo shirt, fitted pants, shorts or skirts, and white socks for men wearing shorts.
In the dining room, men must wear a business jacket and shirt with an optional tie, while women must wear a business jacket and shirt with an optional tie.are required to dress to equivalent standards.”