Mr Julian Lesser, Federal Member for Berowra.
The Honourable Philip Ruddock, Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council.
Mr Michael Medway, Chairman of Golf NSW and Stuart Frazer, Chief Executive of Golf NSW.
Mr Scott Gresham representing his father and Wendy Gresham also representing her husband Mr Tony Gresham AO and Life Member of Pennant Hills Golf Club.
Members and friends of the Club.
Let me repeat Sue’s welcome to you all here today. The large crowd and the company of our distinguished guests reflect the warmth and respect that Pennant Hills Golf Club is held in.
A small number of hard working people have planned and managed the arrangements for our Centenary and today, the launch day, begins a year of celebration. I am sure that they are relieved that today has finally arrived, that so many people are here, that the weather is so good, and that the celebrations are underway in such a spectacular fashion.
100 is a significant number in golf.
When you begin, it is the number you are anxious to break, beating 100 is a milestone for the novice golfer.
As you progress in the game it becomes the number you are anxious to avoid. This happens soon enough, although as your career advances and the distance you hit the ball reduces; the horror of not breaking 100 becomes an unwelcome reality. One that is not readily shared with those at home who, when you return, ask how your golf was today.
For the good golfer the work inside 100 meters from the cup is an art form. And there is the joy of golf, up and down from less than 100 meters from the green.
Now ………. when the life of your golf club is measured in a span of 100 years, the number takes on an entirely new significance.
Celebrating a century of golf in the Shire of Hornsby and on the same site, is a major accomplishment, it illustrates the resilience, commitment, and dedication of countless members of our club over the course of the past 100 years. It also reflects the strong community support we have enjoyed.
It demonstrates that Pennant Hills Golf Club has endured numerous changes and challenges over this time.
It is evidence of acceptance of the many cultural and societal shifts that have occurred in this period. The economic fluctuations which at times have been severe, are and depression, scarcity and the advances in the technology of golf and of management of a golf course.
Our clubhouse and course were commandeered by the Military in 1942 and the club house home to some 250 soldiers who were camped along the creek. They had plans to dig slit trenches along the third fairway parallel with Pennant Hills Road, thankfully General Hearne who was a member of the club persuaded the Command that perhaps that was not necessary.
The M2 plan originally was to assume the 5th hole and more, thankfully the then recently retired Valuer -General of NSW, Frank Bird was a member of the club and led a delegation to the DMR explaining how it would be far cheaper and more efficient to assume the homes along Mahers Rd, including that of Sir Garfield Barwick, that it might be to encroach on the golf course.
Management and embracement of change over such a long period is not easy, those organisations that are able to do it flourish, those who do not are no longer with us. We have been successful at coping with change because of good people.
Most importantly, and to our credit, to prosper as we have, means that our club has played an important role in the lives of its members and the broader community over a the past 100 years . Pennant Hills Golf Club means something to many people and that is why it is 100 years old and growing.
Reaching the 100-year mark is an opportunity to reflect on the club’s history and achievements, as well as to recognize the people who have contributed to its success.
Perhaps it is 3 things;
- An opportunity to reflect on achievements and enjoy the story – later today we launch the 4th publication of our history by Joan Eyles
- Celebrate the now, have a party, today is the start of celebrating the now and enjoying the camaraderie for which we are well known.
- Plan for the next 100 years, to future proof our club ;
Arrangements are in place to renew our greens and tees, Phil Jacobs of the Player Group has been appointed as the course architect and the work has commenced. It is a major club project and the activity timeline to completion spans the next three years.
Plans to now demolish the old pro shop on my left and to build a state of the art Golf Academy on that site are well advanced. The architectural design is complete and has been funded by our Foundation; the Trustees are in the process of raising additional funds to submit the project for Development Approval before leading an appeal for member funds to complete the building.
Being a 100-year-old club is a remarkable achievement and being members at this time is a special privilege, we share this together and with you all I look forward to the future with enthusiasm and energy.
A club without a history is a club without a soul, we have a deep and eventful history that is well recorded and has provided us with a sustainable culture and personality. Long may it live.
I now invite Scott and Wendy Gresham, in the absence of The Governor to unveil the plaque commemorating our centenary.
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