President's Update

The Australian Golf Heritage Society held its Annual General Meeting at North Ryde Golf Club on 27th October. Two of our Board Members, namely Nikki Bethwaite and Jim Glenday, have now retired as Directors. Both have made significant contributions in their capacity as representatives of Golf NSW. Tony Doggett retired as Captain but has remained as a Director and, on behalf of the Society, I would like to thank him for the efforts he has made in that position. The following Members were elected to executive positions:-

Bruce Nairn Chairman

Malcolm McIntosh Treasurer

John Lock Secretary

Tom Moore Director

Tony Doggett Director

Steve Doorey Director

In addition Peter Monks and Charlie Earp, Royal Queensland Golf Club, have made considerable progress in establishing a Queensland Chapter of our Society.

Emma Williams, our Museum Curator, has been successful in obtaining $4,000 grant from the Federal Community Heritage Body. This grant is to be used to provide a complete and independent “Significance Assessment” of our Museum collection. Emma has done a terrific job at the Museum this year, especially in organizing the PGA Centenary Exhibition which was officially launched at the Museum on 22nd September.

The night was a great success and the backdrop of the Museum provided a considerable insight into the history of golf and the work of the AGHS. The opening was attended by the NSW Government Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, the Member for Granville, Tony Issa, the CEO of the PGA of Australia, Brian Thorburn and the Chairman of Golf NSW, Chris Allen.

The night was a celebration of golf and of the ongoing contribution of the PGA and its Members to the development and success of Australian golf both at the professional and amateur levels. My thanks to Tom Moore and his willing team and caterers who made the night a wonderful success.

The Australian Hickory Championship was held at Carnarvon Golf Club on 30th November and it was very pleasing to see a further increase in attendance this year. Congratulations to the defending champions in both the Men’s and Ladies sections, namely Perry Somers and Jane Buckley, who were again successful in winning their events.

2011 has been a successful year for the Society. We find ourselves in a satisfactory financial position due mainly to the continuing support of our sponsors namely, Golf NSW, the PGA of Australia, Dennis Brosnan and Museums NSW. The Australian Golf Heritage Society used the occasion of the PGA Centenary opening to present a plaque to Dennis Brosnan in recognition of the contribution he has made in providing the Museum premises to the Society.

In this regard, our sponsors together with the NSW Golf Foundation, assisted in financing the installation of air conditioning in the Museum earlier this year. This will contribute greatly to the preservation of the exhibits and to the comfort of staff and visitors to the Museum.

Finally, I would like to thank all of our Directors on the Management Committee and especially Tom Moore and his assistants Emma Williams and Arianna Deer and all of the Museum volunteers. Also Steve Doorey, Tom Winter and Gerry Bush for their continuing efforts in connection with the website and publications.

With best wishes for 2012,

Bruce Nairn.