SNIPPETS FROM THE PAST The publication of our Club's History would be incomplete without the inclusion of some Club stories. Some, of the many considered, are factual reprints from the Club Newsletter, others are stories which contain an element of humour and were told to your Historian by members who "vouch" for their authenticity. Vince Church, recalls the story about a member of his groundstaff, (Neville Delaney) (nicknamed "Sticks"), who most of the members will remember. He was attending to an area near the 10th tee when a player from a visiting body enquired as to whether the next hole was Par 4. "Sticks" who was very deaf, with his hand cupped to his ear replied . "Past four, it wouldn't even be half past three yet." Another of Vince's stories concerns the Cape Chestnut tree at the rear of the 3rd bunkers. This was one of George Notson's favourite trees, he, having personally planted it. Each month he would measure and report its growth to Vince and ask him to keep an eye on it. Vince's daughter was approaching the age when she .could get her driving licence and was continually pestering him for driving lesi;ons. Late on a summer afternoon, he relented and took her out in the old "Jeep" alongside the 3rd fairway. During an unsuccessful backing manouvre the Cape Chestnut was removed from the ground. It was immediately replaced by Vince and still bears the scars of being uprooted . It was reported that George Notson's abuse of course vandalism was loud and strong. Ray Austin, who joined the Club on the 23rd February 1943, recalled life as it was in the Clubhouse over four decades ago. When he joined, most of the members were a generation older than he. In those days it was rare for a young man to take up the game of golf, it was considered to be a sport for the middle aged. The Club golfer could only allow himself one game of golf a week, either on a Saturday or a Sunday. There were two distinct groups of members, those who were employed in the Manufacturing Industries and worked five days, would play
Above: The 1980 Pennant Hills Cup was won by Dan Cullen of N.S. W. G. C. others in photo are President Geoff Williams, John Rixon, Phil Wood, Greg Wicks (runner up), Dan Cullen, David Bromley and Trevor Manser Captain. Below: Happy Days: John Roy and Ray Austin congratulate each other John won the Summer Cup and Ray the Gold Medal on the same day in 1979.
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