One of Melbourne’s premium golf clubs is suing a former manager accused of siphoning $240K in dodgy sales and off-the-books player fees.
The Commonwealth Golf Club in Oakleigh South – part of the world-famous Melbourne Sandbelt – claims its former golf manager Ben William Davey fraudulently pocketed huge sums in shop sales and green fees by swapping out the club’s bank details with his own.
A County Court writ alleges the secret illicit scheme spanned nearly four years.
The financial discrepancies were uncovered by an accountant in 2022, shortly after Mr Davey’s employment was terminated.
The club claims Mr Davey “took or sold items of stock without recording those transactions in the financial records or depositing the proceeds into the (club’s) bank account”.
“Instead, where stock was sold to a member of the (golf club), the items were recorded as returned and a credit note issued, with the sale proceeds directed to an account nominated by (Mr Davey) on the basis of expense reimbursement,” the writ states.
Mr Davey also allegedly allowed golfers to use the course without logging the bookings in club systems, pocketing the green fees himself.
“It was further identified that (Mr Davey) altered invoices by removing the (club’s) bank account details, substituting his own personal bank account details and retaining the proceeds of sales of stock and the proceeds arising from the use of the premises and facilities,” the writ states.
The golf club is suing Mr Davey for nearly $248K which includes $162K in retail sales, $78K in green fees and $7.5K in investigation fees.
The Professional Golfers Association (PGA) member began working for Commonwealth Golf Club in early 2018 and was responsible for pro shop sales, stocktaking and booking interstate, international and corporate visitors.
According to his LinkedIn account, he previously worked at Sandy Golf Links, Spring Valley Golf Club and was a touring golf professional.
He has since transitioned into infrastructure.
“I excel at navigating complex issues, addressing community concerns, and fostering strong partnerships that deliver positive outcomes for stakeholders, project teams and the communities they serve,” Mr Davey wrote in his LinkedIn bio.
Mr Davey could not be reached for comment.