Fire investigator Greg Kelly estimated the damage would have been several million dollars and that most of the club would have to be demolished.

Police regard the fire as suspicious and are asking the public for help with their investigations.

The club building, in Springfield Avenue, was well alight at 2.20am when police and firefighters arrived.

After the fire was extinguished police established a crime scene and blocked off Springfield Avenue for most of the day.

Firefighters had to return when smouldering embers reignited the fire.

The club's management advised that golfing could still take place on the greens, but other facilities could not be used.

In fact, golfers turned up for practice the following morning.

A member of the club said the destruction was a great loss to Blacktown.

``I was quite shocked, and sad as well,'' he said.

The club member, who did not wish to be named, said the

fire had also wiped out

decades of Blacktown's history.

``Some members have been in the club more than 30 years so they feel a lot worse about it,'' he said. ``I think everyone will feel bad. ``But we'll rally round and support the club; we'll get things back to normal.''

The Sun asked the club's management for comment but got no response before publication.

Anyone with any information about the fire is urged to contact Blacktown police on 96719199 or Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.