THE remains of the fire ravaged Nelson Bay Golf Club are expected to be demolished and the clubhouse rebuilt from scratch.
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Early indications from emergency crews on the scene of the Father's Day fire suggest the entire building would be removed, but any decision would be subject to engineers and insurance reports.
No one was injured in the fire and damage is estimated to be in the millions of dollars.
Up to 10 fire crews attended the Dowling Street blaze, believed to have started in a roof cavity around 12.30am on September 6.
Detective Inspector George Radmore from Port Stephens Police said on Monday there were no suspicious circumstances at this stage of the investigation.
The first staff on the scene included the golf club's general manager Trevor Harrison, operations manager Craig King and board president Max Pride.
"Our operations manager described the scene 'like watching your own home burning down'," Mr Pride told the Examiner.
"It's just devastating for the members, club staff and the entire community ... but we are determined to rebuild from the ground up if need be.
"Our first priority is to tend to our staff and to recommence operations as soon as is practically possible. Our plan is to have the golf course back in operation by early next week."
The original club house has stood for 55 years and only two years ago had undergone a $2 million renovation.
Mr Harrison said that the fire was particularly devastating for the 3500 members and 50-plus staff who had worked so hard to recover from the April storms.
"We were still getting over the storm damage, estimated at $150,000, so this is particularly devastating," Mr Harrison said.
"The club had the next six months of solid bookings with golf tournaments, functions and weddings, these will take precedence in our planning over the next few days.
"All major tournaments have been put on hold but because the course was not affected we hope to have the course in operation by next week.
"In the meantime club operations are being run from a mobile phone."
Both men said that they were prepared to rebuild from scratch and vowed the club would be back "bigger and better" than ever.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing.
Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
