Mystery as body found in lake at luxury Sydney golf club by groundsman as police try to ID victim

A BODY has been pulled out of a lake at a luxury golf club.

The grisly discovery was made by a groundsman at the exclusive Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, Australia, this morning.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at about 9.30am local time (12.30am BST) as golfers played on the course nearby.

Police divers retrieved the body - said to be highly decomposed - from the water.

Detectives are now trying to identify the body - believed to be that of a man.

The club has been closed until further notice while the investigation continues.

Cops have not confirmed whether or not they are treating the death as suspicious.

It's believed the body may have been in the lake for several days before it was spotted floating in the water.

A spokesman for New South Wales Police said: "About 9.30am Wednesday 9 August, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command attended a golf course on Wentworth Avenue, Eastlakes, following reports of a concern for welfare.

"Officers are being assisted by PolAir and the Marine Area Command."

Ron Hoenig, state member for Heffron, described the incident as a "tragedy".

He said: "As a proud member of The Lakes, it’s difficult for me to fathom such a terrible event happening at this beautiful and historic grounds.

"My heart goes out to the man’s family.";

The club describes itself as "one of Australia’s pre-eminent private clubs and one of the leading major tournament venues in Australia".

It opened back in 1928 and has played host to the Australian Open several times.

Members aged above 40 are charged a $40,000 (£20,000) entrance fee plus $5,700 (£3,000) a year.