Snippets from the Past

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.

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

on a Saturday. The fields of Banking, Retailing, Entertaining and Sporting pursuits who were required to work on a Saturday, naturally played on a Sunday. John Grant, as Captain, made sure that no new member sat by himself. He also made certain that the Saturday game was without complaint. The Sunday game was under the control of John Trotter, who also carried on the tradition. The President, E.J. Hyde, would often look in on the evenings proceedings with a dignified smile and retire to a corner to play cards. There were many late nights. There was no "shouting" in the Club. One would only have to pull up a chair, place "two bob" on the table and join any group. Everybody knew each other and the camaraderie was high. Ray recalls some of the names who were legends in their time. There was John Trotter who looked after food and beverages. Fred Paul, who through the difficult times of food rationing, would beg or borrow food coupons and come up with the goods. Then there was Charlie Gold who donated the first Gold Medal. There were other names, who each in his own way made contributions to the Club's lifestyle. They were; Dr. Clyde Davis, Mark Deveridge, Martin' Bosler, Joe Graham, Charlie Carruthers and Wally Pinerua. · Bob Bradley, past Committee Member and Editor of the "Newsletter" for five years, z:ecalled some of the course conditions which prevailed during the forties. "The pas pal um was tortuous, the gullies were filled with it, the sticky substance given off when the grass became diseased with ergot was a menace to clothing. The mosquitoes were another nuisance, they would come up in storms from the grass should you decide to disturb them by looking for your new "Dunlop Federal" golf ball. The seventh fairway was devoid of grass from theteetothehill top. This area was dotted with bull ant nests, which when disturbed would come out in the thousands. The heat on the course, during the Summer, kept many elderly members away. The events were played in threes with rounds being completed in two and a half to three hours."

47 The following snippets appear in chronological order. 1923 It was considered fair to replay the shot should it strike any of the posts supporting the cattle wire around the greens. It was also considered to be a fortunate break if the ball struck the wire and finished on the putting service. There was no need to replay such a shot.

1926 Dr. H. Cutler wor the first of his five Club Championships.

1928 Members, mostly the younger, were requested not to shake the bridge, over the 10th, when older members were crossing. It was considered to be unnerving and possibly dangerous. The suspension bridge did sway a lot when crossing.

1932 The Hole in One Decanter was presented to the Club on the 13th February 1932 by Mr. T.E. Dence in appreciation of his hole in one.

1932 Geoff Sommerville won the Hislop Cup in 1930. After being runner up to Dr. Cutler in the 1931 Championships he then won the 1932 Club Championship at the tender age of 19 years and 7 months. In 1982, fifty years later and as Doug Sharpe's visitor, he again played the course. An enjoyable round was had by all with Geoff's score slightly higher than his 1932 effort. Geoff was Guest of Honour at the Annual Dinner.

1945 Bill Davidson appointed full time Professional.

1945 Harry Harper donated the Club Putter.

1946 Joe Graham became the third Captain to win the Club Championship. The other two were Tom Dence and Ernie Doran.

1948 Charlie Carruthers won the first of his five Club Championships.

1949 When past President, Jack Thomson, joined the Club in 1949, Bill Lannen was Secretary, starter and handicapper. He gave Jack, sight unseen, a handicap of 24. Bill was starting the field when Jack hit off. His drive soared into the distance as straight as an arrow, Bill looked at the new member and said, "You had better make that 20." Surely, the quickest handicap reduction in the Club's history.

1951 A player was handicapped on his inherent ability to play golf and a temporary Joss of form or interest in the game did not warrant an increase in handicap. Handicaps were adjusted twice yearly, based on the five bestcardsoverthepast six months. Playing under this system, from three quarters of handicap, stableford events were sometimes won with 36 points.

1951 100 years since John Dunsmore played the first round of golf in N.S. W. in 1851. His Historic Clubs were presented to the Australian Golf Club and were later destroyed in the 1931 fire. Fifty years later the Clubhouse was again destroyed by fire. Members were reminded of the event.

1951 The first issue of the "Hills Newsletter" was published. The Editor was S. J. Hines Club Captain from 1952to1958. It commenced with the statement; If you can think of a better name for this newsletter, give your suggestion to the Secretary, it may win you a prize of two new golf balls. (These early copies, believed to be the only ones in existence, have been donated to the Club's Archives by past President Jack Thomson.)

1952 Following on representations to the major brewing companies we have been successful in obtaining an increase in our beer quota. Bottled beer will be made available to members on the basis of 2 bottles each per month.

1952 The Vic Kendall - Bill Davidson school boys coaching classes were in full swing. The N.S.W. Golf Association applauded our Club on its approach in fostering golf among the youth of the community. Members donated "Old" clubs for use by the boys, some were hickory shafted without the leathers.

1952 During this year it was decided to relay all of the greens. After the levels had been completed the surface was covered with 8" of an organic waste material processed from household waste. The bent seed was then sown and to the amazement of all up came the greatest crop of pumpkins imaginable. Despite the pumpkins and the water shortage the greens became the equal of most and are still in use today.

1952 The original Clubhouse. which had housed the Professional since 1925 was removed and sold to a Castle Hill chicken farmer. A Pro-Shop was erected.

1953 The 9th gree·n was laid over the old sandstone quarry. A 21" pipe was laid on the right hand side which now traps the off line shots in a grassy hollow. The sowing of the seed was followed with an overnight downpour which completely washed away the green leaving the bare sandstone. The green was remade with drainscut'into the sandstone. The old quarry now forms a scenic backdrop which many a member found after overpowering the shot.

1954 Members were asked to speed up play. With a full field it was now taking four and a half hours to complete a round.

1957 The Memorial Gates were officially opened on the 23rd September 1957 by the President, Mr. Harry Small and the Chairman of the Ex-Servicemens Section, Mr. E.J. Stanton.

1957 The Log Cabin half way house was opened. This area was an absolute delight in the summer but was rather damp and wet in the winter. The Bar equipment was manhandled to the area each time the Log Cabin was in use. The staff did not like their tasks in the winter.

1959 The N.S.W. Open Golf Tournament was played on our course. The winner was Harry Kershaw with rounds of 68, 69, 76, 71 for a score of 284.

1960 The first stage of the Clubhouse additions were completed. The old dining room was converted into a card room and a T.V. lounge.

THE PENNANT HILLS EMBLEM

The design of two overlapping hills, one of red and one of gold, each on a navy blue background with the red hill carrying a golf staff with triangular pennant. The colours used repeat those used previously by the Club in a far more readable form than in the monogrammed badge. The emblem was designed by Mr. George Hamori, commercial artist in 1970. The committee approved of the emblem for use on blazer pockets, Club medals, Life Membership badges, cuff links, coasters and fixture books.

1962 Provisional membership "B" commenced with a quota of 100 members. Waiting time for entry to the Club is five years.

1963 Ted Lawson, in the last round of the February Eclectic, playing off a handicap of 8/6, had eighteen consecutive pars. Whilst many members have recorded par rounds, "off the stick," they have all included eagles, birdies and bogies. Ted still smiles when you mention the feat which is yet to be equalled by any member of the Club.

1964 Our Club was paid the highest compliment when we were invited by the Australian Golf Union to hold the Sloan Morpeth Cup on our course. This event was played between New Zealand and Australia on the eve of the departure of our team for Rome to play in the Eisenhower Cup, Australia was successful. Mr and Mrs R. Vicars. We were pleased to find a copy of this photograph. Mr. Vicars bought the land the Course is built upon and Mrs Vicars was the first Associate President .. . a position she held from 1924 to 1932.

1966 Vince Church was notified of a generous offer by Bill Meggitt to supply some excess stock of Soya Bean Meal, an excellent fertilizer with a 7.88 Nitrogen content. After two weeks carting a mountain of 250 tons was built. It was spread across the fairways prior to heavy rain. Grass grew where grass had never been seen before, the fairways were magnificent. The odour became overpowering and the neighbours complained as the smell invaded their homes. The Council Inspector arrived and ordered the residue to be covered with soil, where it remained for many years. The Club was instructed not to use odourous fertilizers again.

1969 The Pennant Hills Cup was won by a promising young player from the Muirfield Golf Club. His name Jack Newton.

1969 The first fairway bunkers were formed on the 2nd, 11th

The 1977 E.]. Hyde Cup was won by Dennis Hill. Other winners in the photo are: Back row: Brian Mortlock, Michael Grant, George Wing, Bill Scott (President), Harold Davis and Bill Wright. Front row: Bob Gash, Norm Greenwood, Robert Walcot, Dennis Hill, Geoff Oates and Dennis Lickley and 15th fairways. Other fairway bunkering is being considered.

1970 A practice pitch and run green was opened on the southern side of the clubhouse, overlooking the 9th green.

1970 Dave Sage and Arthur Butterfield, playing from 3/4 handicap, scored 84 Stableford points in the Club's annual 4 ball aggregate event.

1972 The 50th Anniversary of the Club's foundation was celebrated with a Ball which400attended. Theguestofhonour was the Honourable Sir Leslie Herron K.B.E. The Members escorted their Ladies in formal attire.

1972 Freda Boughton has donated a beautiful tapestry of the clubhouse. It now hangs in the entrance. 1973 Les Wallace had an albatross on the 3rd hole Doug Sharpe and Tom Pearch were witnesses to this great golfing feat. They were both about to leave the green when they saw a ball land on the green and roll into the hole. Les used a one wood followed by a four wood to hole out in two shots.

1973 A team of members, under the direction of John Ferris, Vice Captain of the Club, completed the course in continuous play in 15 minutes 43 seconds. It failed to beat the record created at the Huber Golf Club in U.S.A. of 10 minutes 11.4 seconds with a team of 43 players. When the enthusiasm returns another attempt will be made.

1974 A donation of $1000 was made to the N.S.W.G.A. for the relief of flood damaged courses.

1974 David Freeman on his first win in 13 years said, "I've always believed 13 to· be a lucky number."

1974 Your committee has thought it appropriate to change the name of the Beecroft Cup to the E.J.Hyde Trophy. This Trophy was originally donated by our late President and Patron, E.J. Hyde and it was deemed fitting that he be honoured for the outstanding work he gave to this Club.

1974 The Club now has cufflinks with the Club motif. Members with 30 years membership will, in due course be presented with special links with 30 engraved on them.

197 4 The Australian Team of Seniors won the World Seniors title at the Broadmoor Golf course in Colorado, U.S.A. Vic Kendall was the Secretary, organiser and a very proud man. Twenty Countries were represented.

1975 The first motorised golf carts were allowed on the course. Preference was given to Il}embers with disabilities.

1975 Oscar Patterson holed the 4th, his first ace. Jim Fletcher,

after watching Oscar's shot, remarked, "It looks easy" and promptly repeated the dose. The scotch flowed late into the night.

1976 The Presidential Room was opened.

1976 Tony Gresham was appointed captain of the Eisenhower Cup Team to play in Portugal.

1976 Greg Wicks' drive found the 16th green on the full. He has accomplished this feat four times. It is now considered highly unlikely that this shot will be repeated owing to the height of the gum trees.

1978 Edwina Kennedy, on her 19th birthday, won the British Womens Amateur Championship. This was the first time an Australian had been successful in its 81 years of history.

1979 A first "Nuthin Cup" was played foron the 28th March 1979. The winners were Bob Giblin and John Stephenson, a visitor from New Zealand. Bob Wickens m.ade the presentation.

1981 A Wednesday field of 151. All finished with a hit off time of 11.30.

1981 Eilene Henricks birdied the five par 3 holes. This feat is yet to be equalled by woman or man.

1982 The new 9th tee was played for the first time. This lengthening of the course was the first in 10 years.

1982 The Pennant Hills Golf club in conjunction with the Lions Club of West Pennant Hills, donated a Mini-bus to the Clark Road special school for children.

1982 Senior membership qualifying number was increaseq from forty to no limit. Members attaining the age of 60 years with a membership of 30 years to qualify.

51 Two popular Associate Champions: Eilene Henricks, left and Jenny (Swadling) Abrahams. Both have won the Associate Championship six times. Eilene with different partners has won the Foursomes Championship nine times.

The 1980 Charity week saw some pleasant club activities including auctions and sweeps. John Housego was one of our main "Auctioneers". Our photo shows John presenting one of the prizes to lucky winner, popular David Glass.