The Golf Report ::
While the number of players in our events continues to be small we have nevertheless been very busy with our tournament schedule which culminated in 2011 Australian Hickory Shaft Championship held at Carnarvon on Wednesday 30th November. This Championship, which is the pinnacle of the Society’s golfing calendar, requires all players to use pre1940 hickory clubs – repaired and reshafted clubs are acceptable – being either your own clubs or sets available on the day. Period dress is optional. In addition to the handicap events this is an Open competition which attracts the serious hickory players as well as the amateurs.
This year was no exception with amongst others Perry Somers, Derrin Morgan and Alan Grieve playing and it was a great honour and experience to compete in the same field as them. Thanks to John Lock and Jim Glenday and all of the Society Members who assisted in the conduct of a very successful Championship. Our field this year was the largest so far and we look forward to increased numbers again next year. Carnarvon Golf Club was formed in 1927 in the Silverwater Rd, Derby St and Parramatta River area of Lidcombe before moving to its current site around 1950. We thank Carnarvon for the presentation of their course and hosting this year’s Championship.
On 7th July the Bobby Locke Trophy was contested at Cammeray GC. The game was followed by interesting talks from Des Froneman, Dan Cullen and Rex McKay on aspects of the life of Bobby Locke – acknowledged as the “Prince of Putters”. The great Sam Snead once said of Locke’s putting “What discouraged me was the way ‘Old Droopy Jowls’ held his putter at the tip with his left hand far over the shaft which was the same grip he used on all shots. He had a closed stance and hooked his putts instead of straight lining them. His grip was so light I thought he would drop the stick, and when he putted, instead of keeping still, he swayed like a bloomer girl. Mostly he did it with a rusty headed hickory shaft putter and with a style that that made no sense at all – until he picked the ball from the hole.”
The Royal Sydney Thursday Club had their annual 4 Ball Ambrose with hickory shafts on 14th July. Tom Moore, Peter Read, Mal Bray and I were invited. Included in the field of twenty was respected teaching professional, Dave Mercer. Our Patron and Centenary British Open Champion Kel Nagle joined us for lunch and watched everyone hit off on 1st tee. It was another enjoyable day and opportunity to play with the hickory shaft clubs.
The “Show and Tell” day at Rosnay GC was as usual good fun and saw Mavis Parry watch the golf and join the players in the Clubhouse. Sunday 18th September at Liverpool GC was another enjoyable day with three newcomers to hickory golf in Trevor Degroan (Fox Hills GC) and Trish and Andrew Wilson (Kiama GC).
On Wednesday 14th September, again at Liverpool GC for a Cancer Charity Golf Day, the field of Lady Golfers hit off 1st tee with a hickory club and putted out on 18th with a hickory putter. A lot of fun for the Ladies for a good cause.
Monday 19th September at Royal Sydney GC saw celebrations taking place for 100 years of the Australian PGA. Tom Moore was in charge of the nearest-to-pin on 3rd hole using hickory clubs and I was in charge of the hickory shaft long drive on 16th tee - hitting into a two club wind Ken Druce set the pace early with a drive of 217m followed by Chris MacGill (Avondale GC) with 230m. Finally Patrick Fairweather (Killara GC) got one out to 245m. If I did not see it I would not have believed it!
On 14th April The AGHS held its annual match against The Golf Society of Australia (Victoria) competing for the “Al Howard Trophy”. The event was held at Eden on the NSW south coast, and while only six players represented AGHS the occasion and camaraderie was very enjoyable. Next year the event will be held at Tocumwal in NSW on 29th to 31st and will provide an excellent opportunity to combine travel and golf.
Unfortunately the Peppers Craigieburn Hickory Cup scheduled for Sunday 25th September had to be cancelled this year. This is an enjoyable event and we will revisit next year. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Some great news is that the Queensland Chapter of the Australian Golf Heritage Society is up and running. The good work put in by Dr Peter Monks and Charlie Earp has come to fruition. We wish them all the best and many enjoyable rounds with hickories.
The Australian Open Championship at The Lakes Golf Club from 10th to 13th November presented an opportunity to see some of the best local and international golfers competing prior to The Presidents Cup. The Society manned a tent at the event which again featured our Tasmanian member and Master Clubmaker, Ross Baker. Many of you are aware of Ross’s expertise and workmanship in his handmade long nose clubs which really are a work of art. The youngest of our hickory shaft clubs are now about 75 years old and a visit to the tent to see Ross’s collection, and how to care for clubs, was a highlight for anyone interested in the history of golf.
Good golfing,
Tony Doggett.
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