Significant restorations are set to get underway at the Lightning Ridge Golf Club next week as the dedicated committee prepare to re-build four months after a severe thunder storm caused serious damage to their clubhouse.  

A tornado-like storm and over 150mm of rain hit the Lightning Ridge area on 28 March 2022, causing significant damage to the newly renovated Lightning Ridge Golf Club.  

"The storm strip came through and as it hit the area it caused damage to everything in its path,"  said Golf Club President Brad Loiterton.

 "There were strong winds, torrential rain, trees were blowing everywhere in the area." 

"Once the roof caved in, everything in the club house was destroyed including all our new electrical appliances" he said.  

"The storm was like a tornado." 

The Lightning Ridge Golf Club had seen a string of challenges, opening and closing on and off over the three years before the storm hit.   

"The challenges of COVID- 19 were not easy for any club let alone ours," said Mr Loiterton. 

"As COVID- 19's restrictions loosened, the club was closed for four months due to new renovations. We had the club completely renovated. It was re- painted, re- tiled and other new electrical appliances installed." 

"We held our first major golf event after the new renovations were complete and then two weeks later the freak storm occurred," he said.  

The Lightning Ridge Golf Club is operated by community volunteers and club Board Members. The destruction from the storm has resulted in a lack of income for the club.  

"The club is now operating with no future income and no current club members, only volunteers," Mr Loiterton said.   

"We are lucky we have Board Members and community volunteers who work additional hours to keep the club operating."

The process of getting the club back on course has required patience and plenty of paperwork.

"Finally getting approval from the insurance company means new restorations will be underway as soon as next week," said Mr Loiterton.

"We have also been given an $90,000 grant from the Australian Government towards the club re-opening which will be a massive help." 



Mr Loiterton is most thankful for the support from the local community and volunteers and is hopeful that the club's return will be better than ever.  

"I am grateful that we have so many great volunteers that are ready to pitch in and help out to get the club re- opened and operating as soon as possible," he said.  

"In addition to the renovations soon underway, we are planning to also build a driving range and putt- putt golf course for members and guests to enjoy." 

"The club will hopefully re- open before Christmas, with Roy Butler offering to be present at the official opening," Mr Loiterton said.