1925.
At a meeting held on July 31st 1925 the Red Cliffs Golf Club was formed and a provisional committee of seven was elected under the leadership of Jack Trumble to select a suitable site and finalize the formation of the club. On August 10th 1925 a further meeting was held and a committee was elected under the leadership of Jack Trumble and consisted of: A. Rich Secretary; Don Dunoon Treasurer and committee members Owen, King, Watts, Blake, Pollock, Miller, O’Neil, Kerr and Scouller. There were 38 foundation members and 24 Associates. At that meeting several possible sites for the course were reported on.
Some of the early details included:
1926.
In 1926 the first Annual General Meeting [AGM] was held and it was decided to introduce an entrance fee as well as an annual membership fee for both members and associates.
1927.
At this stage there were only nine holes playable and during 1927 it was decided to make at least some of the second nine reasonably playable. Many hours of work were put in by the members, many of whom traveled quite long distances with their tractors and block equipment to work on the course. As a result of this work a further three holes were prepared and a decision was taken to purchase a wheelbarrow for 3 pounds 3 shillings [$6.30].
The club’s opening day in 1927 was held on April 20th, although this date varied in the following years, sometimes being held in May depending on weather conditions. In November 1927 a proposed new 18 hole layout was discussed and an overdraft of one hundred and fifty pounds [$300.00] was arranged.
In Mr Trumble’s 1927 President’s Report he mentioned the increase in membership from 55 members and 35 associates to 81 members and 52 associates. There was intense interest in the course within the settlement thus making it essential to provide an 18 hole course. The Associates were thanked for their financial assistance in putting down a concrete floor and inlaid lino in the kitchen. Mr Trumble also asked the ladies to ‘please wear more suitable shoes on the course’.
1928.
At the 1928 AGM held on April 2nd, the club’s colours of royal blue and gold were decided upon. Thirty yards [27.5 mts] of red loam was sent to the course at ten shillings [$1.00] per yard and it was estimated that a further thirty pounds [$60.00] would be needed to top dress the full 18 holes. The length of the original 18 holes was 6140 yards [5615 mts]. On April 21st 1928, Mr Bowring was invited to open the new 18 hole layout by hitting the first ball off the tee. Normal hit off times in these early days was around 2.00pm.
Some of the things that occurred during 1928 included:
1929.
There were a number of golfing highlights during 1929:
1930.
A real innovation occurred during 1930 with the employment of 4 ‘sand boys’ being employed to sweep the sand scrapes on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. They were employed for three months and were paid 42 shillings per week [$4.20]. At this time the course had several bunkers, which brought about the need for many working bees in order to maintain them. There was quite a lot of discussion about whether or not the bunkers should be retained.
The course maintenance costs for 1930 amounted to two hundred and ninety pounds [$580.00], which included fencing the course, bunkering, sinking a dam and grubbing out trees to make an entrance road to the course.
1931.
The AGM for 1931 was held in March before the commencement of the golf season. At the AGM a decision was taken to donate 3 pounds 14 shillings and 6 pence [$7.45] to the ‘Unemployment Relief Fund’, plus an extra 2 pounds [$4.00], which was the result of a special days golf for this purpose. The members requested that the total amount be used for “women in distress in the Red Cliffs area”.
There were a number of highlights related to our associates during 1931, including:
1932.
This was the year that the RCGC made its first application to purchase the land on which the course was constructed. An offer of 25 shillings per acre [approx. $5.60/ha] was made but was not accepted by the Lands Department. They approved an extension of the club’s existing lease through to 1945 when the matter would be reviewed.
Land at the rear of the clubhouse was loaned to the Sunnycliffs Cricket Club who paid the club one pound one shilling [$2.10] per year.
Mr. C. Howie made a generous offer to the club for a 1000 gallon [4,500 lts] water tank for 6 pounds 7 shillings and sixpence [$12.75] credit free for twelve months, which was greatly accepted by the club.
The 1932 year saw slow but sure improvements to the clubhouse and it was decided that, in light of this progress, the club would insure the building for 400 pounds [$800.00]. The first clubhouse consisted of 3 walls of logs a roof and open front and old photographs show the improvements made over the years. The club officially opened its ‘new’ clubhouse in July 1932.
Other club highlights for 1932 were:
1933.
Clearly, the highlight of 1932 was the new ‘Golf House’. The associate’s President, Mrs Garrett commented in her annual report: “The new Golf House was built for our Open Tournament and I think you will all agree with me that we all felt very proud of it. A nice log fire made it very cheery for our guests, who I’m sure all had a very good day’s sport.”
1934.
The Golf Club Ball continued to be an important event on the club’s calendar and it’s obvious that many members, both men and women worked very hard to make it a success.
There was quite a lot of discussion about bunkering on the course and many players felt that bunkers would make them better players on other courses.
1935 / 1936.
These were very busy years with regard to course development and the highlights were:
In 1936 the associates came up with a novel and very popular fund raising idea. A ‘Lucky Envelope’ containing a voucher for 7 shillings and 11 pence [approx. $0.80] for a pair of stockings was raffled, for 6 pence [$0.05] a ticket.
1937.
Due to extremely wet conditions, golf didn’t get started until May 5th as the course could not be suitably prepared. A decision was taken to take out insurance to cover the 1937 Open Tournament in case it couldn’t be played due to rain. A gang mower was purchased, but the extremely wet conditions limited its use. Sheep were allowed to graze on the course in an effort to keep the grass down. A truck was purchased to enable scraping of the fairways to proceed.
Many working bees were held to prepare the fairways for grassing, but it was decided that the cost was too great so the project did not continue. A decision was taken to canvas the members about a levy of one pound [$2.00] each, which enabled some of the fairway work to continue.
There was also a plan developed to irrigate the course, but this was abandoned until the necessary finance was available. Mr. Don Thompson of Maples was offered the position of club professional in this year.
1938.
The grassing of the fairways continued and the associates were called upon to provide lunches for the many working bees held throughout the year. It was obvious that the frequent ‘Bridge’ evenings were beginning to lose their popularity given one recorded comment on the matter: “one could scarcely say they were hailed as a source of pleasure ….” The associates changed their handicap system introducing a C Grade for players on 36 and above. A Grade went to 30 and B Grade was 31 to 35 handicap.
At a meeting held on July 31st 1925 the Red Cliffs Golf Club was formed and a provisional committee of seven was elected under the leadership of Jack Trumble to select a suitable site and finalize the formation of the club. On August 10th 1925 a further meeting was held and a committee was elected under the leadership of Jack Trumble and consisted of: A. Rich Secretary; Don Dunoon Treasurer and committee members Owen, King, Watts, Blake, Pollock, Miller, O’Neil, Kerr and Scouller. There were 38 foundation members and 24 Associates. At that meeting several possible sites for the course were reported on.
- 200 acres [81 ha] between Ginquam & Coorong Aves
- 137 acres [55 ha] on Dow Ave between Carwarp & Dairtnunk Aves.
- A site near the river at Karadoc Flats about 4 miles [6.5 kms] out.
- A site about 5 miles [8 kms] out of Koorlong.
Some of the early details included:
- Members [men] fees were set at 10 shillings and 6 pence [$1.05] and Associates fees were 5 shillings [$0.50].
- In September 1925 several members visited Balranald Golf Club with Mr Watts kindly allowing the use of his car.
1926.
In 1926 the first Annual General Meeting [AGM] was held and it was decided to introduce an entrance fee as well as an annual membership fee for both members and associates.
- Member’s entrance fee – one pound one shilling [$2.10] and subs the same.
- Associate’s entrance fee – 5 shillings [$0.50] and 5 shillings for subs.
1927.
At this stage there were only nine holes playable and during 1927 it was decided to make at least some of the second nine reasonably playable. Many hours of work were put in by the members, many of whom traveled quite long distances with their tractors and block equipment to work on the course. As a result of this work a further three holes were prepared and a decision was taken to purchase a wheelbarrow for 3 pounds 3 shillings [$6.30].
The club’s opening day in 1927 was held on April 20th, although this date varied in the following years, sometimes being held in May depending on weather conditions. In November 1927 a proposed new 18 hole layout was discussed and an overdraft of one hundred and fifty pounds [$300.00] was arranged.
In Mr Trumble’s 1927 President’s Report he mentioned the increase in membership from 55 members and 35 associates to 81 members and 52 associates. There was intense interest in the course within the settlement thus making it essential to provide an 18 hole course. The Associates were thanked for their financial assistance in putting down a concrete floor and inlaid lino in the kitchen. Mr Trumble also asked the ladies to ‘please wear more suitable shoes on the course’.
1928.
At the 1928 AGM held on April 2nd, the club’s colours of royal blue and gold were decided upon. Thirty yards [27.5 mts] of red loam was sent to the course at ten shillings [$1.00] per yard and it was estimated that a further thirty pounds [$60.00] would be needed to top dress the full 18 holes. The length of the original 18 holes was 6140 yards [5615 mts]. On April 21st 1928, Mr Bowring was invited to open the new 18 hole layout by hitting the first ball off the tee. Normal hit off times in these early days was around 2.00pm.
Some of the things that occurred during 1928 included:
- The club received a letter from the Mildura and Wentworth golf clubs seeking support for the formation of a district golf association.
- The grass on the fairways was growing so rapidly that Mr Pollock lent his horse to the club for a week to eat some of it down.
- A telephone was installed at the clubhouse and calls were charged at 3 pence [2 cents] each.
- There was an interesting local rule that read: “when the ball lies on the sand portion of the green, the sand may be smoothed by patting the sand with the sole of the foot only.”
- The club was instructed by the Inspector for Noxious Weeds to remove “offending Bathurst Burrs as soon as possible.
- The ladies tees were moved forward as play was too difficult for them with the tees in the same place as the men.
- Associate’s day varied from Wednesday to Thursday throughout the year.
1929.
There were a number of golfing highlights during 1929:
- The men’s district Pennant team won the flag in the first year of the district event.
- Mr. Holness added further prestige for the club when he won the District Championship, thus entitling the club to add a ‘star’ to the club’s flag.
- The first RCGC Open Tournament was held attracting 255 entries and a profit to the club of 15 pounds [$30.00].
1930.
A real innovation occurred during 1930 with the employment of 4 ‘sand boys’ being employed to sweep the sand scrapes on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. They were employed for three months and were paid 42 shillings per week [$4.20]. At this time the course had several bunkers, which brought about the need for many working bees in order to maintain them. There was quite a lot of discussion about whether or not the bunkers should be retained.
The course maintenance costs for 1930 amounted to two hundred and ninety pounds [$580.00], which included fencing the course, bunkering, sinking a dam and grubbing out trees to make an entrance road to the course.
1931.
The AGM for 1931 was held in March before the commencement of the golf season. At the AGM a decision was taken to donate 3 pounds 14 shillings and 6 pence [$7.45] to the ‘Unemployment Relief Fund’, plus an extra 2 pounds [$4.00], which was the result of a special days golf for this purpose. The members requested that the total amount be used for “women in distress in the Red Cliffs area”.
There were a number of highlights related to our associates during 1931, including:
- Saturday games were introduced for ladies not able to play golf during the week.
- There were 39 associate members in the club.
- Special thanks was passed to Mrs Murray who each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday left a billy full of milk on her gate post that was collected by one of our ladies on her way to golf. This generous donation resulted in a considerable saving to the club.
- In August 1931 Miss Leggo moved that 32 handicappers and under play in A Grade.
1932.
This was the year that the RCGC made its first application to purchase the land on which the course was constructed. An offer of 25 shillings per acre [approx. $5.60/ha] was made but was not accepted by the Lands Department. They approved an extension of the club’s existing lease through to 1945 when the matter would be reviewed.
Land at the rear of the clubhouse was loaned to the Sunnycliffs Cricket Club who paid the club one pound one shilling [$2.10] per year.
Mr. C. Howie made a generous offer to the club for a 1000 gallon [4,500 lts] water tank for 6 pounds 7 shillings and sixpence [$12.75] credit free for twelve months, which was greatly accepted by the club.
The 1932 year saw slow but sure improvements to the clubhouse and it was decided that, in light of this progress, the club would insure the building for 400 pounds [$800.00]. The first clubhouse consisted of 3 walls of logs a roof and open front and old photographs show the improvements made over the years. The club officially opened its ‘new’ clubhouse in July 1932.
Other club highlights for 1932 were:
- The completion of the 18th hole.
- Telephone calls increased to 6 pence [$0.05].
- The associates passed on 20 pounds [$40.00] to the General Committee to form the nucleus of a building fund.
- The AIF Cup was introduced.
- The Associates were allotted 40 pounds [$80.00] for the construction of a lady’s toilet room.
- A piano was purchased for the clubhouse at a cost of 27 pounds 10 shillings [$55.00].
- The Red Cliffs associates became affiliated with the Victoria Golf Association for the first time.
1933.
Clearly, the highlight of 1932 was the new ‘Golf House’. The associate’s President, Mrs Garrett commented in her annual report: “The new Golf House was built for our Open Tournament and I think you will all agree with me that we all felt very proud of it. A nice log fire made it very cheery for our guests, who I’m sure all had a very good day’s sport.”
1934.
The Golf Club Ball continued to be an important event on the club’s calendar and it’s obvious that many members, both men and women worked very hard to make it a success.
There was quite a lot of discussion about bunkering on the course and many players felt that bunkers would make them better players on other courses.
1935 / 1936.
These were very busy years with regard to course development and the highlights were:
- Grassing the fairways was discussed and a sub-committee was formed to organise this major course improvement.
- A mower was purchased and wire scrapers were also introduced.
- A windmill was purchased for 25 pounds [$50.00].
- The gums along the edge of the 2nd fairway were planted.
- A man was employed to work on the course for 48 hours a week for a wage of 3 pounds 10 shillings and 6 pence [$4.05], less 15 shillings and 6 pence [$1.55] per week rental of premises.
In 1936 the associates came up with a novel and very popular fund raising idea. A ‘Lucky Envelope’ containing a voucher for 7 shillings and 11 pence [approx. $0.80] for a pair of stockings was raffled, for 6 pence [$0.05] a ticket.
1937.
Due to extremely wet conditions, golf didn’t get started until May 5th as the course could not be suitably prepared. A decision was taken to take out insurance to cover the 1937 Open Tournament in case it couldn’t be played due to rain. A gang mower was purchased, but the extremely wet conditions limited its use. Sheep were allowed to graze on the course in an effort to keep the grass down. A truck was purchased to enable scraping of the fairways to proceed.
Many working bees were held to prepare the fairways for grassing, but it was decided that the cost was too great so the project did not continue. A decision was taken to canvas the members about a levy of one pound [$2.00] each, which enabled some of the fairway work to continue.
There was also a plan developed to irrigate the course, but this was abandoned until the necessary finance was available. Mr. Don Thompson of Maples was offered the position of club professional in this year.
1938.
The grassing of the fairways continued and the associates were called upon to provide lunches for the many working bees held throughout the year. It was obvious that the frequent ‘Bridge’ evenings were beginning to lose their popularity given one recorded comment on the matter: “one could scarcely say they were hailed as a source of pleasure ….” The associates changed their handicap system introducing a C Grade for players on 36 and above. A Grade went to 30 and B Grade was 31 to 35 handicap.