Billionaire's Daughter Forces Historic Golf Club Hole Closure Over Safety Dispute
The daughter of one of Australia's wealthiest property magnates has successfully forced the temporary closure of a hole at a picturesque North Bondi golf course through legal action, creating significant disruption for players and club members. Orna Triguboff, daughter of billionaire property tycoon Harry Triguboff, sent a formal legal complaint to the Bondi Golf and Diggers Club demanding immediate action over what she describes as a serious safety risk from stray golf balls.
Legal Demands and Immediate Closure
In a letter from her lawyers, Triguboff demanded both the first and second holes at the 91-year-old venue be shut until what she described as 'appropriate and aesthetically acceptable' protective measures could be implemented. The club has responded by posting a notice stating that the second hole is 'temporarily closed until further notice,' effectively reducing the nine-hole course to an eight-hole experience for frustrated golfers.
Triguboff claims that errant golf shots have been clearing existing protective fencing and landing in her garden at the $11.5 million property she purchased adjacent to the course in 2011. 'I seriously fear for the wellbeing of residents,' she told The Daily Telegraph, citing multiple incidents where golf balls have breached current safety measures.
Longstanding Dispute and Previous Protective Measures
This dispute between the property heiress and the golf club reportedly stretches back over a decade to when she first acquired her luxury property next to the course. Club members had previously funded the construction of a protective fence designed specifically to prevent errant shots from reaching neighboring properties.
Long-time club member Lawrence Ferguson explained the situation: 'The fence we put up last year catches 95 percent of the balls. She's been arguing with the club for a while - it's sad as everyone uses this golf club. Kids use it to ride their bikes, families use it for walks and club members love it.'
Safety Concerns Versus Community Access
Despite the existing protective measures, Triguboff maintains that the situation presents unacceptable risks. 'I believe I am one of many local residents affected by errant golf balls from the golf course impacting the safety and wellbeing of occupants of my property and others in my street,' she stated. 'This is a serious safety concern that has the potential to endanger the safety of innocent occupants.'
However, the closure has sparked frustration among regular users of the community facility. One visitor expressed disappointment upon learning the true reason for the closure, having initially believed it was simply maintenance work. Another critic took aim directly at Triguboff's actions: '[To] think that because you've got a lot of money and renovated a house, that you can close down what is a public space, is pretty outrageous.'
Council Position and Ongoing Tensions
Although the golf course sits on community land leased from Waverley Council, the local authority has stated it is not involved in the escalating dispute between the billionaire's daughter and the golf club. This leaves the matter primarily between the private parties, with the club having taken what Triguboff described as 'decisive action' to address her safety concerns.
Triguboff expressed appreciation for the club's response, stating: 'I welcome the golf club's decision to take decisive action to protect me and other locals in this way; a decision which the club reached independently and hopefully in the spirit of ensuring all people, whether members of the golf club or local residents neighbouring the golf club, can go about their daily lives without interference and safety concerns.'
The temporary closure continues to disrupt play at one of Australia's most picturesque golf courses while the parties work toward a resolution that addresses both safety concerns and community access to the historic facility.
