Elite golf club fires back after being accused of refusing to admit Dan Andrews as a member 'due to his harsh Covid rules' while he was Victorian premier

The president of an elite golf club in Melbourne has denied reports that they have blocked Daniel Andrews from admission as a member, insisting they would consider an application for the ex-Victoria Premier to join.

Earlier this week it was claimed that members at Portsea Golf Club had blocked an approach from Andrews after his friend and property magnate Max Beck made a tactile inquiry on his behalf.

Members of the club, located in Melbourne's affluent Mornington Peninsula, still harbour ill-will towards the former leader over his Covid pandemic restrictions, in which the golf club was included in the metropolitan lockdowns despite being 70km away from the CBD. 

Richlister Beck described those furious members as 'small-minded' and labelled their resistance 'ridiculous', and club president Phil Cramer has now sent a 'member update' clarifying that all applications will be welcomed.    

'We wish to clarify that, contrary to these reports, no formal membership proposal for Mr Andrews has been received by the Club,' Cramer wrote.

'The Portsea Golf Club prides itself on inclusivity and diversity of membership, and in fact has a reputation of being a very welcoming club for all to enjoy playing golf and fellowship.

'These values have been instrumental in growing our membership and increasing rounds played annually.

'We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate the current situation and continue to uphold the values that make Portsea Golf Club so enjoyable.'

Cramer further stressed: 'If and when a formal application is received, it will be treated in accordance with the process outlined in the Portsea Golf Club's Constitution, which includes notification to the membership base. Please note, our next membership intake is scheduled for the end of first quarter 2024.'

According to the Herald Sun, the topic of Andrews' membership application has split the club, with some supporting the move while others say they will leave if he joins.

Reflecting on the views of those against Andrews' arrival at the club, former professional golfer Mark Allen said: 'No they have not [forgiven him].

'They have not forgiven him and I can tell you this: on Friday night at the Sorrento Hotel, it was the talk of the region and to the point where not only members from Portsea, but members from other clubs were saying that if he's trying to join anywhere down here, they just will not let him join. 

'Well, remember, one side of the peninsula, they were able to play and they were able to get around the other side of the peninsula, they were not allowed to play.

'Once there is an overwhelming [consensus], it's a very easy thing to do to put a black line through their name,' he said. 

Andrew remains a controversial figure on the peninsula, with one resident telling News Corp: 'Dan is just toxic down here.'

He has an eventful history with the region. In March 2021 he fell and badly injured himself while holidaying in Sorrento. The incident attracted a lot of intrigue among locals.

A 2013 car accident also saw the Andrews' family car allegedly collide with a teenage cyclist. The incident remains the subject of Supreme Court proceedings. 

He plays at Kingston Heath Golf Club and is eager to join a club in the Mornington Peninsula.