After 21 years of operating Lismore’s Hole in One Golf Driving Range, Geoff and Lyn Lees have decided to call it a day - and pass the clubs and balls on.

The couple have decided to lease out their popular business and are now looking for new owners to take over.

Geoff Lees on the range.

The East Lismore golf range has been closed since January, when Geoff suffered from a stroke and became unwell.

Lyn said while Geoff’s health is improving, he has lost lots of his strength and also the inclination to keep the Wyrallah Road business running.

“Things were a bit too much for him and he needs to take time out,” Lyn said. “We also own the adjacent farm to the golf range and have cattle and chooks to take care of too.

“We were running the business seven days a week and the only time we had off was three weeks at Christmas.”

Beginnings

Lyn said when the couple first bought the business, it had only been there for a couple of years.

“It was a great addition to our farm next door and we worked hard to turn it into a busy little business,” Lyn said.

“We were younger then and it was great exercise picking up the balls at the end of the day.

“Then I had two knee constructions and couldn’t pick up the balls anymore.”

Meeting people

“It was great too because Geoff loved meeting new people and got on really well with them.

“Everybody would see him and his two dogs on the range.

“We had lots of regulars there – families and people from local disability groups would come - and they all had great relationships with Geoff.

“We even had groups coming for bucks parties and birthday parties – and we had rules they followed.

“It’s not your normal golf course – lots of golfers come to practice, but some just bring their kids and have fun.

“People can just get a bucket of balls and tee off – some get competitive and some just have a laugh.

Covid

“When covid hit in 2020, we closed for six months and when we reopened in August, it was busier than ever. People could be out in the open and play golf.

“A lot of people are disappointed now because we are not open – and the weather is beautiful.”

Business for sale

Lyn said the decision to sell the lease on the business was a hard one, but it was time.

“Whoever takes the business on will need to know about golf - and how to be a people person and have fun,” she said.

“The area the lease is on is roughly 10 acres and we are selling the plant and equipment it.

“We own the farm next door and we want to keep the surrounding land for cattle - as they keep the grass down. We just need a bit of mowing done inside the electric fence around the range.

“We also had a special trailer made, with sides that open – and we bring onto the range each day. All of the balls, clubs and equipment are inside, along with drinks making equipment.

Floods

“It’s a good option because it floods there and we can move it on and off the range.

“We’ve been through a few floods and came through the other side – we learned what to do.

“When we first bought it, we panicked the first time it went under water, but you get over that.

“This time of year might be wet, but the ground dries quickly in the sun.

"It’s a good business and it’s worked out well for us - and kept us going over the years."

If you are interested in buying the golf business, you can send an email to [email protected] or message Hole in One Golf Driving Range on Facebook.