Hervey Bay Golf Club turns seventy five

THIS MONTH the Hervey Bay Golf Club celebrates 75 years of providing its members a golf course that has survived the toughest of times due to their resilient volunteers. The origins of the course began in 1937 when the Pialba Golf Club created a nine hole golf course that included The Esplanade at Point Vernon where many golf balls ended up in the ocean. During World War 2, the club had decided on a three year recess that led to the course deteriorating badly. In 1946 a small membership purchased 150 acres of land, which included a house that became a licensed bar, and built a new nine hole course with an official opening a year later. Twenty years on, a

clubhouse was built followed by another nine holes being added in 1977. The development in the last 20 years has seen significant improvements, including renovated tees, new greens and a large dam constructed. The Hervey Bay RSL has leased The Clubhouse, which has contributed to the golf club being in a very healthy financial position. “Our partnership with the RSL is very strong,” said recently retired secretary Dawn Spencer. She said this allowed the club to focus on course refurbishments while the members also received improved facilities inside the Clubhouse. Visiting professionals always compliment the facilities, and the growing membership

certainly appreciates what they enjoy due to the many decades of contributing locals. Festivities for the 75th birthday celebrations are planned for the weekend of November 26 and 27, culminating with an ‘Afternoon on the Green’ from 2pm on Sunday, November 27, for past and present Golf Club members and their partners. The afternoon will include live music by popular local band Soul City, food and drinks and the cutting of a birthday cake by the club’s youngest and oldest members. It’s the perfect opportunity for past and present members to reminisce on the proud history and how far the club has come today.