It’s been a very short lived tenure for Dan Andrews at Moonah Links Golf Resort, with the former Victorian Premier no longer on the books.
As reported by Page 13 last week, Andrews’ good friend, richlister Max Beck had got his mate “in the back door” as a nominee member at the Mornington Peninsula golf club.
Page 13 understands that property baron Beck is a Foundation Member at Moonah Links and recently switched out his wife’s name on a membership, replacing her with Andrews.
It would have cost the ex-premier $3000 to get in and while sneaking in the back door may be frowned upon, apparently it doesn’t break any rules.
Cue considerable – actually, scrap that – frothing and feverish backlash by members and the golfing community.
So much so the resort was happy to report a change in circumstances, stating Andrews was no longer a member.
Dan Andrews, pictured here with Geoff Ogilvy, became a member at Moonah Links with the help of a rich-lister pal. Picture: Andrew Batsch
The club even went to the lengths of issuing a statement on their social media page, where most of the anti-Dan vitriol had been unloaded, on Thursday:
“Moonah Links Golf Resort wishes to address recent public speculation regarding former Premier Daniel Andrews,” the golf club wrote in a statement on Thursday.
“We can confirm that Mr Daniel Andrews is not a member of Moonah Links Golf Resort.
Moonah Links continues to focus on providing a world class golfing experience and supporting events that promotes sport, tourism and community development.”
The latest twist comes after Andrews was met with member anger during previous attempts to join a number of leading clubs.
It was reported last year that Andrews was considering applying to join the Portsea Golf Club — a move which sparked radio shock jock Steve Price to threaten to “tear up” his membership.
Max Beck hit out at members when his mate Dan’s application was denied at Portsea. Picture: Josh Robenstone
One week later it was reported members had sent a letter to the prestigious National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula calling for Andrews to be denied membership.
Word also has it that when Andrews appears on the driving range at his old haunt, Kingston Heath, the members walk off.
The backlash against Andrews stems from the Covid-19 pandemic when he imposed strict restrictions on golf in Victoria.
Beck, who is also a Portsea GC member and owns a clifftop mansion at Sorrento, is a long-time friend and confidante of Andrews.
He hit out at members when his mate’s application was denied at Portsea.
“I can’t believe how small-minded people can be,” Beck previously told the Herald Sun.
“It’s just all about a bloke who wants to play golf and enjoy the rest of his life. It’s ridiculous. He’s worked his guts out for the state with his beliefs.”
Source: Alice Coster – Herald Sun https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/page-13/page-13-daniel-andrews-no-longer-a-member-at-mornington-peninsula-golf-club/news-story/b49b655ddeadbb2770d72a01e954123e
