Mount Garnet Golf Club about far more than golf

Mount Garnet made its name in mining and cattle stations surrounding the town located over 150km south-west of Cairns.

Unlike during the 19th century when mining drove high numbers to Mount Garnet, the 2016 census recorded a population of just over 400 people, yet for those residents and many from the surrounding cattle stations, the Mount Garnet Golf Club is a critical institution. Even if playing the game isn’t a significant part of that importance.

Located inside the Mount Garnet Turf Club’s racetrack, the nine-hole course features grass greens, no trees, no bunkers and has been converted into a “links style course” by Andrew Young ahead of the annual Open tournament there this month.

Working at Golf Club President Rohan Collins’ avocado farm next door, Young has taken responsibility for a great deal at the club, with its greens currently “immaculate”.

However, its role…