Crossing the gullies

was required to raise up the height of the green. When it was completed, the short Par 3 first was amalgamated with the Par 4 second to form the present Par 5 first. This layout forms our present course and with alterations to tees and greens, remains practically unaltered. The length of-the course in 1988 is 5892 metres with an Australian Course Rating of 70 and a Club Rating of 71. There are five Par 3's, nine Par 4's and four Par S's. The course is considered to be a fair test of golf with the tree lined fairways penalising any wayward shots. Leading golfers from other Clubs have praised the putting surfaces on the greens. The bunkering is modem and considered to be fairly severe. The fairways are well covered with Kikuyu grass and other than in very hot dry conditions, area splendid sight. The course has a modern watering system. It is interesting to note that the landscaping of the greens, as designed by the late Eric Apperly, blend in perfectly wjth the park like setting of the course. We as members, have had a wonderful heritage handed down to us, let us make every effort to preserve and maintain its beauty. May we reprint the famous phrase, so often. used by Past President and Patron of our Club, the late E.J. Hyde, "Don't stop, further progress is necessary."

CROSSING THE GULLIES 1924-1985

With the decision in 1924 to extend the course to eighteen holes, it was decided to incorporate the unused area in the north east corner of the property. This proposed new layout brought about the problems of crossing Devlin's Creek at the 1st, 9th, 10th and 18th holes. The methods devised for crossing the gullies were both practical and amusing.

1STHOLE The difficulties encountered in crossing the 1st gully were overcome by the placing of four railway sleepers across a narrow section of the creek. This first bridging attempt was, at times, quite rickety. To gain access to the area, members were required to walk down a side track to the right of the 1st tee. After crossing the creek it took a certain amount of stamina and willpower to climb up the other side to reach the 1st Par 3 green. A missed putt was forgiven as it was considered to be a "Puffing putt". In theseearlydays, members or their caddies, carried shoulder bags containing five or six hickory shafted clubs. Very few members owned a full set. It would have been a most difficult task to haul the modern day buggy and clubs over such slippery, paspalum infested, terrain. During the era of the sleepers it was not uncommon for the first three off the tee to find a was ha way confronting them at the crossing. It was said that many a pair of plus fours were baptised whilst performing the task of replacing the sleepers. These were pioneering days and the slight delay in the round was accepted by all but a few members. In 1929 the sleepers were removed and a low level wooden bridge was constructed by the groundstaff. This new addition greatly assisted the members and dispensed with risky creek crossing. This bridge was used, with only minor repairs, until the high level, 200ft steel truss bridge was erected in 1961 at a cost of £1850. The new bridge was built some 60 yards south of the old wooden bridge and served the dual roles of entry to the 1st fairway and the 18th green. In 1965 the old wooden low level bridge was replaced with a concrete low level vehicular crossing, giving on course access to the Clubhouse area. In 1985 an entry point for motorised buggies to the vehicular bridge was established. The route selected was almost the sme as that used by the members in the sleeper era. This roadway, with accompanying parking area near the Pro shop, will greatly reduce the traffic wear on the 1st tee area.

9THHOLE The early crossing was made by the use of sleepers which created a problem when the creek was in flood. At times the creek was at a higher level than was considered safe to cross. In 1930 a high level wooden bridge was constructed from timber available on the course. Over the years it became a

constant maintenance problem and with the supports decaying, it was decided to replace it with a steel fabricated structure, so designed that it would carry motorised buggies, thus saving the long journey to the 10th bridge to gain access to the 9th green. As the workmen demolished the old bridge, members recalled many memories crossing "Old faithful" which had stoOd forover halfa century. On the 19thJuly1985 a new bridge was erected at a cost of $16,815. Thus ended the era of the sleepers and the wooden bridge crossings.

lOTH HOLE The early exit route was down the bank of the gully to the 18th sleeper crossing. The sleepers were removed when, in 1932, a low level wooden bridge was built. this bridge also gave access to the 18th green. In 1927 it was decided to erect a high level bridge over the 10th gully. It was constructed from timber available on the course and was supported by steel cables. It was in fact a suspension bridge. It swayed a lot in crossing, and on certain days of the year, when the members had stayed too long at the tents, it swayed a lot more. In 'fact, it was considered by some elder members to be quite dangerous who for a short time declined its use. Later when their confidence returned they too made use of the bridge. In 1952 it was widened by 20" to accommodate the new fangled buggies, which some of the members were now using. The bridge was to stand without incident, for thirty eight years, when, in 1%5 it was replaced, at a different site, by a concrete beam structure. The cost to erect the new bridge was £3200. The earthworks at each end of the bridge were carried out by the groundstaff, which considerably reduced the overall cost. The remains of the 10th suspension bridge may still be seen covered in wisteria, slowly decaying, after facing the elements for over half a century.

18TH HOLE During the period from 1924 to 1932 members used the sleeper crossing to negotiate the creek. Jn 1932 a wooden low level bridge was erected, which was in use until, in 1961, the high level steel truss bridge was built. This bridge was designed to _ service the 1st and 18th holes.

The present 18th hole is regarded by many as one of the finest finishing holes in Sydney. Its present splendid approach and layout are a tribute to our third President Harry Small. The hole was previously a short par three of some 80 yards with the green situated on the present lower level. It was later altered to its present position and length. At that time there were two large trees which detracted from its appearance. One was situated between the present green and the first tee and the other on the present tenth tee. The shaping and contouring of the surrounding grounds of this beautiful green was carried out under the direction of Mr. Small. Weekend after weekend he could be seen al the Club driving a bulldozer and moulding the surrounds till they reached their present layout. This green will always be a· tribute to the physical effort and dedication of this splendid President'.

OUR SAND BUNKERS Research into the evolvement of golf links and courses, reveal there was evidence of sand hazards over 200 years ago. They were not part of the original design of the Seaside Links. They were caused by the repeated attempts of players to remove their ball from sandy lies around the green area. The constant iron play eventually removed the vegetation, which then became subject to wind erosion. The gale force winds along the English coastline gradually removed the sand, forming deep depressions, which came to be known as sand hazards. They were later controlled by course grooming and the forming of hillocks on the windward side. When new links were designed, the sand hazard became an accepted aspect of the layout. The raising of the lip is still followed, although it is said to give an advantage to the player with a ball on a dying run. The bunkers on our course were first formed in 1931, much to the annoyance of many of the members. One such member was reported to have made the following complaint to the

Greens Committee. "The Committee, has, with all the sadism they could muster, created sand hazards of such monstrous proportion, that most players find it nigh on impossible to strike the ball to the green." he also added, "Members, scores are being spoiled; one such member had taken upwards of 9 strokes to place his ball upon the putting service." Another member suggested, "The bunkers are a nuisance and should be filled in."

However, it should be remembered that up till 1931, when Gene Sarazen invented the sand wedge, shots from bunkers were played with all sorts of clubs and striking styles. The most common was the hickory shafted "basher."

Long were the discussions in the Clubhouse, after the game, on the best methods for playing bunker shots. Since 1931 many types of sand irons have been produced, and most golfers now carry one of these implements of torture. ·

The once frightening situation of finding your ball in a sand bunker has almost disappeared for all but a few, who still insist that they are "the invention of the devil."

Some fifty years later, our course is trapped with 41 greenside and 21 fairway bunkers, which include the recent additions and deletions on the 3rd and 12th fairways. Our first fairway bunkers were formed during 1969 on the 2nd, 11th, 15th and 17th fairways.

The design and placement of our bunkers are considered to be fair to all players, there being traps for the long hitters and score spoilers for the not so long.

The bunkers provide a variety to the game, as the stroke requires a special skill. It is indeed a wonderful feeling to see your ball soar from the depths of the bunker to finish next to the flagstick, or even on very special occasions, when lady luck is with you, disappear into the hole.

45 Six times Club Foursomes winners; Tony Gresham and Jack Clarke enjoy a moment of relaxation.

) \ "- " I 1\\1! '!_j Our 1980 Apperly Shield Team. Five of this team went on to become members of our Pennant Team. Standing: Mark Lilly Jamie Hodge and Brett Richardson. Seated David Lilly Harry Stoy/es (Manager) and Malcolm Jones. Kent Driver played as reserve.