Editor's Note:Quite a lot of what you will read in this section was compiled in 1983 by Lorraine Ford, so I think it is appropriate that we commence the story of the Red Cliffs Golf Club with her opening words in her hand written record.
"The important stages of the club's development seem to be:
I hope you enjoy finding out more about the Red Cliffs Golf Club." |
Early Club Photos.
The 1929 opening day.
The early clubhouse.
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1925 to 1938 - 'The Early Years.'
Photo courtesy Mildura & District Historical Society.
This first section takes us from the start of the club up until the outbreak of the second World War in 1939.
The photo depicts what it was like to be an early dried vine fruit grower in the Red Cliffs district, which was the industry many of the early club members were involved in.
Because not a lot of the early records remain we have had to rely on the minutes of club committee meetings to get a feel for what club life was like in these formative years.
The photo depicts what it was like to be an early dried vine fruit grower in the Red Cliffs district, which was the industry many of the early club members were involved in.
Because not a lot of the early records remain we have had to rely on the minutes of club committee meetings to get a feel for what club life was like in these formative years.
1939 to 1954 - 'World War 2 & Beyond.'
With the world at war, the pressure was on to keep the club going. With many of the members away the Red Cliffs ladies, then known as 'Associates', took the club over and kept it going. Mrs Wright, in her 1944 President's report said: "..... victory and the end of the war is in sight and we must have our club flourishing for when the boys come home." It was this type of spirit and determination that kept the club going during these very difficult times.
The years after the war saw an influx of a second group of soldier settlers, many of whom became members of the club to keep the tradition going. These years can be seen as a time of consolidation as most efforts were directed at getting the district back on its feet, but even so the club continued to develop and forge ahead.
The years after the war saw an influx of a second group of soldier settlers, many of whom became members of the club to keep the tradition going. These years can be seen as a time of consolidation as most efforts were directed at getting the district back on its feet, but even so the club continued to develop and forge ahead.
1956 to 1969 - 'The Big Flood & Other Challenges.'
Photo courtesy Mildura & District Historical Society.
Although the big flood of 1956 stands out in the memory of the residents of the district of the time, its direct impact on the club was minimal. It could be argued that the flood bought golfers in Sunraysia closer together when Red Cliffs Golf Club 'threw its doors open' to the members of Riverside Golf Club, who were seriously affected by the flood.
From the club's perspective the bigger issues included the eventual purchase of the land, a goal the club had been pursuing for many years. Then there were the first moves to grassing the fairways and getting ready for the much feared conversion to decimal currency.
From the club's perspective the bigger issues included the eventual purchase of the land, a goal the club had been pursuing for many years. Then there were the first moves to grassing the fairways and getting ready for the much feared conversion to decimal currency.
1970 to 1999. 'Grass Greens, Irrigation & More.'
Arguably the period of greatest development at the club, these years saw the introduction of grass greens on the course and the move to fully irrigated fairways. The club members didn't baulk at the challenges that a significant debt and almost endless working bees would throw up and they pressed ahead.
The club's tradition of volunteerism came to the fore during this period when some significant improvements were made to the course and general club facilities. Club membership increased and a greater variety of club golf events were introduced.
The club's tradition of volunteerism came to the fore during this period when some significant improvements were made to the course and general club facilities. Club membership increased and a greater variety of club golf events were introduced.