The Project’s Steve Price defended his opposition to former Victorian premier Daniel Andrews’ move to Portsea Golf Club, sparking a row with Waleed Aly and Sam Taunton on Monday night.
The trio became somewhat agitated when Price said he would “tear up” his club membership if Andrews was allowed to join.
Price defended his position on the show, saying: “I think it’s really sad that he wants to come and put himself out there, considering what he did to us for two years.”
Steve’s position was endorsed by other members of the club, with 100 members calling for his application to be rejected.
The TV star was visibly upset about the tough lockdowns in Melbourne, adding that the politician didn’t allow golfing due to the pointless Covid rules.
The Project’s Steve Price (pictured) was called “petty” during a row with Waleed Aly and Sam Taunton on Monday night after reiterating his disapproval of Dan Andrews at Portsea Golf Club
“We were the only place in Australia you couldn’t play golf during Covid.” I’m upset about this! Sorry for using a golf pun.
“I was honest when I said if he is allowed to join, I won’t play there,” he added.
Waleed asked Price why this was such a “big deal” to him, saying, “If he gets approved, you won’t have to walk around the golf course with him for four hours.”
However, Steve insisted: “I have to go to the bar and he could eat something.”
Waleed asked Price why this was such a “big deal” to him and said: “If he gets approved you won’t have to walk around the golf course with him for four hours.” Pictured with Sarah Harris
An outraged Waleed added that this could happen anywhere in Melbourne, not just on the golf course.
Comedian Sam Taunton spoke out but stopped short of describing Steve’s argument as “petty”.
He was then coaxed into making the remark by Steve, saying, “You meant to say it was…”
“I was going to say it’s petty,” Taunton said. “It’s been years and at some point, don’t you move on? Why?”
Price refused to back down on the matter, saying members of the club did not want Andrews to be there.
“No, I wanted to say it’s petty,” said Taunton (pictured). “It’s been years and at some point, don’t you move on? Why?”
Steve added that it was common practice for members to be able to express their opinions on applicants to the club. Pictured: Dan Andrews
He added that it was common practice for members to be able to express their opinions on applicants to the club.
Steve was angry about Andrew’s attempt to join the exclusive golf club.
Price took aim at the controversial politician on Sky News Australia last week, noting he had banned members from playing golf for two years.
“This is the prime minister who has locked down this community even though we are 120km outside the city,” he said.
“The same Prime Minister who let people play golf across the bay. ‘No way should that man come to the golf club.’
Last Monday, the Herald Sun reported that the keen golf fan and now-retired Prime Minister would face strong opposition from members of Portsea Golf Club if he applied for membership.
Andrews, a keen golfer, tried to join Portsea Golf Club
While president Phil Cramer said Mr Andrews’ application would be considered in accordance with the club’s bylaws, Price gave Mr Cramer a blistering ultimatum.
“If Dan Andrews is allowed to join Portsea Golf Club, I will resign, I will resign, I will cancel my membership and I will play golf somewhere else,” Price said.
Former professional golfer Mark Allen also told 3AW that other golf clubs along the Mornington Peninsula were considering a similar response should Mr Andrews apply for membership.
During Covid, golf enthusiasts in Greater Melbourne and parts of the Mornington Peninsula were banned from fairways and greens – a rule that only applied in the Northern Territory.
Portsea Golf Club (above) is one of the most elite clubs in Victoria and its president said he would consider all applications
While clubs were allowed to reopen from September 2021, toilets had to remain closed, drawing the ire of enthusiasts.
Mr Andrews announced his retirement from politics, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family and on the golf course.
“What I would do next would be to take a little break and spend some time with Cath and the kids, play a bit of golf and read the pile of books that are on the corner that haven’t been read yet.” said Mr Andrews.
“I’m going to do a few things that affect me and I’m going to go through a pretty challenging transition.”
Mr Andrews announced his retirement from politics, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family and on the golf course. The ex-prime minister is having difficulty finding a club