ANTHONY YALE GRESHAM The Pennant Hills Golf Club is fortunate to have amongst its Members, a golfer of International standard in the person of Tony Gresham . He has been a great ambassador for Australian golf and his golfing achievements have been recognised by sporting writers throughout the world. This recognition was first reported during the Eisenhower Cup matches from 1968to1980. It was in 1972 that the sporting headlines applauded his success in becoming the World Amateur Champion. In 1972 Tony's contribution to the golfing world and our Club in particular, was honoured by the mounting of his photograph, togethe~ with his career highlights, on the wall of the Presidents Room. His career highlights are reprinted in this biography to preserve the feats in the 'Club's archives. Tony has given us all an enormous amount of pleasure, whilst viewing his rounds on Television or following him, as an on course spectator. There, as always, amongst the sea of faces, would be members from our Club, following his every shot. There are many outstanding shots, which undoubtedly lead to his triumphs. I would like to place on record one of these shots, because it has a family association with humour attached to it. The story concerns the second round of the Pennant Hills Cup, some years ago. I was standing on the 10th tee next to Syd Gresham, (Tony's father and committee member from 1967 to 1971), when Tony snapped his drive into the trees on the left, some twenty metres off the fairway. Syd turned to me and said, "That damned right hand." When we reached the ball it was quite apparent that a straight shot to the green was out of the question. One member was heard to say, "chip out and play safe". The only clear line of sight was the large gum tree some twenty metres short and to the right of the green. Tony made the decision to draw the ball and struck a 4 iron towards the elected line. It took off in a perfect parabola and at first looked to be heading towards the trees and trouble. This
Tony Gresham fought many outstanding matches to retain his Club Championship. He defeated Phil Wood on two occasions, Possibly one of the best matches ever played at "The Hills" was his semi final with Phil in 1978. Both players had sub par rounds in morning and afternoon
Jn 1980 Malcolm Jones defeated David Lilly in the Junior Championship Final. The same year Tony Gresham defeated Malcolm in the final of the Club Championship. David Lilly lost in the final of the Club Championship to Tony Gresham the year previously. 82
