Enthusiasm
proves to be no handicap
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WOFF
Gavin Smith and WOFF Bill Rowell on the course at the RAAF
Base Edinburgh Golf Club.
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LESS
than two years after facing possible closure, the Edinburgh Golf
Club (EGC) has experienced one of the most positive periods in
its 20-year history.
The collective enthusiasm and good intentions of a group of dedicated
volunteers has resulted in nearly record membership numbers, a
sound financial situation and a course that has never been better.
The highlight of 2005 was an action-packed weekend in late November,
kicked off with a well-attended working bee at the club.
Later that evening a large number of members and supporters attended
the club’s annual presentation night, at the Salisbury North
Football Club.
Club president, Flight Lieutenant Craig Keane and Captain David
Waters handed out several awards including Club Champion to Jarrad
Hughes and Club Person of the Year to George Lomax — both
back-to-back winners.
FLTLT Keane also presented, on behalf of Wing Commander David
Flood, a base commander’s commendation to ex-Army member
Peter Murphy.
Sunday morning saw 70 members, the largest competition field in
memory, turn out for the annual Sponsors’ Day.
Teams representing the club’s sponsors were invited to attend.
FLTLT Keane said Legacy benefited from the day’s competition
thanks to a new initiative to raise funds.
“Ex-senior non-commissioned officers Don Battans and Bloo
Egan ran a ‘book’ on the eight tee with fixed odds,
dependant on handicap, for hitting the green 170 metres away,”
he said.
Eight players hit the green, with their potential earnings donated
to Legacy, and placing the players themselves
in line for prizes provided by the Mawson Lakes Hotel, Ullrich
Aluminium and BAE Systems.
Individual bets of $150 from General Manager of the Mawson Lakes
Hotel Mark Crowe, and $100 from retired Warrant Officer Roger
Coulter, enabled the Edinburgh Golf Club to top up Legacy’s
earnings to $620 and still provide the members with some much
needed liquid refreshment.
The 20-year history of the club has seen many memorable rounds,
but the 2005 Sponsors’ Day saw Warrant Officer Gavin Smith
return a score that may never be topped.
“WOFF Smith, a regular competition player and legitimate
22 handicapper, finished the day with 52 stableford points,”
FLTLT Keane said.
“The match committee calculated his score to be equivalent
to a net 54 strokes and his round, which included an eagle on
the index one, 413 metre, par four, 16th hole has resulted in
his handicap plummeting to 18.”
“The club may not have the best course, it has very few star
golfers and its club rooms are makeshift at best, but it has a
positive spirit and commitment to enjoying golf that is best embodied
by club member Don Battans.
“Don, who served in the Air Force for 35 years, attended
all three events despite suffering an aneurism only four weeks
earlier.
“The club hosted a large number of Edinburgh social groups
leading up to the Christmas break and is looking forward to a
great year 2006. With members like Don, success is assured.”
The
Edinburgh Golf Club currently has membership vacancies in both
the full and honorary categories.
Personnel employed at Edinburgh or other local Defence establishments
are encouraged to apply, and spouses, dependants or other associates
will also be considered on a case by case basis.
For more information, contact the Club on (08) 839 32734.
