The Story of PHGC 1922-1959 (E.J. Hyde)

THE CLUIHIUUSl:. 1959

Colour Pllotograp/1 b1 Fronk Mud&•

THE

STORY

OF THE

�

PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB 1922-1959

SYDNEY 1959

First

published 19J9

INTRODUCTION

. �

Mosr golf clubs owe their existence to the courage of their founders who were usually men of determination and foresight.

Our club is no exception, rather does it occupy a prominent position in the list of "most difficult beginnings".

The Committee is desirous of placing on permanent record the story of these "pioneers" in order that those who now enjoy the clubhouse amenities and the use of a course, which is regarded by experts as being among the top Sydney courses, may have the opportunity of reflect­ ing upon the rapid growth of the club.

The club is grateful to Mr. E. J. Hyde for the time he has devoted to the compilation of the story but more than that, we extend sincere thanks to him for his confidence in it over a period of thirty-six years.

During his long term as President his guidance and advice assisted the club through many anxious moments and his pride in the club's present eminent position in the golfing world is tempered by his oft repeated advice­ "Don't stop. Further progress is necessary."

I commend this book to all members with the certain knowledge that in reading it they will understand and appreciate the excellent spirit and comradeship which have always been outstanding features of Pennant Hills Golf Club.

M. w. NORTHEY,

Prende11t-1959.

Registered in Au:nr-alla for 1ra.nsmiasion by PQ$l a_) a booL. PJUN'H.D I'\ AU�TULIA 8Y HALSTEAD l'Jl.ESS, SYON£'

5

FOREWORD

THIS story is dedicated to those brave men who promoted the club; who despite many difficult obstacles refused to admit defeat and built the foundations for the excellent course and club we have today.

Had they been golfing expens they would undoubtedly have rejected the area as most unsuitable for a golf course.

However, they were business and professional men and, except for three of their number, knew very little about golf in the initial stages-but they were determined to have a golf club in the district. The three golfers were ]. A. North, H. G. Vernon and F. D. Layton who were members of the Concord Golf Club and all low markers.

They gave help and advice to the directors which was most valuable in the formative years.

Through the years the club has been well served by enthusiastic men such as those who have worked hard for the welfare and improvement of the course.

I would like to thank the Secretary, Mr. A. E. Marks, for seeking out and checking information from the minutes, Mr. C. A. Broughton who attended the prelim­ inary meetings and who is now a Life Member, Mr. T. R. Carruthers, Miss 0. Akchurst, and Mr. George Howard, fust professional and then head greenkeeper for twenty­ four years, for the help they have given.

E.

7

J. HYDE, April,

1959.

ILLUSTRATIONS THE CLUBHOUSE, 1959 'Fiuint P41• 16

MEMORIAL ENTRANCE GATES

Donne<! to the dub by Scrv1"mtn of both

World Wan

VIEW OF CLUDHOUSI!. FROM THE TENTH FAIRWAY

17

FIRST CLUBHOUSE APRIL, 1923

24

SECOND CLUBHOUSE AUGUST, 1925

25

E>..'TE l'SION OF No. 2 CLUBHOUSE, 1929 !ktw<u P41"

THE NINTH CREF.N, 1926

28-29

THE E.IGHTEE.1'."TH GRUN, 1926 ntE COURSE TODAY

&twun ,.,., 32-33

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PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB THE

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suburban district between Eastwood and Hornsby,

north of the Parramatta River, in which the Pennant

Hills Golf Club is centrally located at Jkecroft, has been known since the early years of the colony as the Pen­ nant Hills District. It has been noted for its excellent orchards and small farms but until after the First World

War it was very sparsely populated.

As far as can be ascertained, golf was first played in the district by a small group of enthusiasts on a short 9-hole course at Normanhurst in the year Ig;YJ. After four years they had to disband because the land was taken over for building purposes. A few years later another attempt was m:ade on a rune-hole course on the western side of Pennant Hills Road, not far from the present course. This Broughton was a member of both these groups.

Apparently no attempt was made by either of these groups to form a club, probably because of the small

petered out just prior to the First World War. Mr. C. A.

number of people who were interested in golf at that time.

Fou11d11tion of th( Club A successful attempt was made to start a golf club early in 1922,: the prime mover being Dr. A. C. Holt of Beecroft.

He wa1s supported by Messrs. R. Vicars, T. B. Nossitcr, W. G. Douglas, D. Wiltshire and several others. Dr. Holt eventually convened a meeting of those interested which II

t

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

was held at the Beecroft School of Arts early in September, 1922.

Amongst those present were the following: DR. A. C. HoLT

W. G. Doucus H. G. VERNON

c. A. BROUGHTON E. J. HYD£ R. VtCARS

H. D. LYON A. F. c. MURPHY

F.

D. LAYTON

W.J.LYON

GEN. J. HEANE

D. B. WtLTSmRE 0. s. WALSH

SYD!;NIUM

T. G. M1LLNER

J.

T. B. NosstnR

J. A. NORTH H. CHORLEY

H. L. ARN01T

Mr. Vicars was voted to the Chair. After discussion the meeting decided that it was desirable to form a golf club.

A Committee was appointed to investigate the possibility of securing an area at a reasonable cost on which a course could be laid out, and report to a later meeting. Mr. A. F. C. Murphy was appointed Honorary Secretary pro tempore.

Finding a Suitable Site

The Committee spent some months looking for a suitable site but they could not find a desirable area close to rail transport, which was felt to be of first importance. Motor cars at that time were used by very few people. The present area was inspected but the Committee rejected it on account of its somewhat hilly nature, great tree growth, and the considerable amount of playing area that would be lost because of the creek flowing through the eastern end.

The matter was still in abeyance in January, 1923, but in this month Mr. Robert Vicars decided to do something practicable to bring the proposed club into being. He bought the land which the club now owns for £4,750 and offered it to the Committee at the price he paid for it. This generous offer quickly brought matters to a head. A meet12

ing was called and it was decided to form a club to be known as the Pennant Hills District Golf Club. The name Beecroft Golf Club was suggested but was not acceptable to those who lived in other suburbs.

It was constituted as an ordinary shareholding company with shares of £5 value. Each member joining the club was required to take up one £5 share which was regarded as an entry fee. The subscription was fixed at £5 SS· per annum. A member could not own more than five shares.

Appeal for Ftmds

An appeal was made for funds by way of £5,000 6% debentures, and it is interesting to note that one of the statements in the debenture prospectus read: "A contract has been entered into for the purchase of the land from the present owner at the sum of £4,750.0.0., and it is estimated that an outlay of £2,500.0.0 wi ll be sufficient to lay out foe the present 9 hole links and p rovide for the erec tion of a Club House. Tiie land is considered eminently

suitable for golfing

purposes."

A number of non-golfers took up shares and there is little doubt that if the golf club had failed the company would have become a land holding company and the land would have been sold for building purposes. For­ tunately the club did not fail, although it went through difficult financial times during the first few years.

The company was registered on 26th February, 1923, and was governed by a Board of seven Directors: T. B. NosstTER (Chairman)

D. B. W1LTSHIRE T. G. MILLl'ER (Hon.

W. J. D. LvoN (Hon.

R. Vte.m

H. CHORLEY A. C. HoLT

Treasurer)

13

Secretary)

THE PENNANT HILLS COLP CLUB THE l'ENNANT HILLS COLP CLUB

NitJe-Hole Courie Prepared Of the l:md area of about 99 acres, some 25 acres along the Pennant Hills Road from Copeland Road to Mahers Road with an average depth of 300 yards had been farmed and cultivated since the early days of the country (sec Appendix A). It was on this portion of the area that the first nine holes were played.

A farm house and a well were situated on the present third fairway and until the latter was filled in-this job took some time-this portion of the area could not be used. A sunken road ran from Pennant Hills Road to the dam and this caused a lot of n i convenience in play until it was ultimately filled in. The slight depression on thr present twelfth fairway is the only indication left of its existence.

The remainder of the area was covered with hundreds of trees and stumps which had to be removed, waterholes had to be filled up and in many places shelf rock excav­ ated. In addition, noxious weeds and pests infested the area and it was obvious that a great amount of work would have to be done before an 18-hole golf course could be constructed. The Directors and members however were not deterred and a tcmparary srhole course was laid out for pl:iy while pl:ins were being made for an 18-hole course.

The only preparato i n for play was co run a lawn mower over those places selected for greens without any attempt to build up or improve them, and they provided some weird

puning surfaces.

First Clubhouse An old post and rail boundary fence was removed and replaced by a wire fence, and a gate was placed in the 14

fence near the bottom of the present second fairway. This gate is still there. It was just above this gate that the first clubhouse was built, a two-room timber structure about feet x 12 feet, the small room being for the use of the usoca i tes. This structure was later brought round to a position adjacent to the present pro shop, and was used as a pro shop from 1924 to 1953, when it was repl aced by the present brick building.

20

The fi rst tee of this lrhole course was on the present second fairway, just away from the clubhouse and the green was on the sloping ground where the second green is now situated. The second hole commenced from a tee alongside this green to a hole situated on the slope along­ side the road, a shot of about 135 yards. The third was played from a tee beyond this green to a green situated near the present twelfth green-about 156 yards.

First Layout of Course

The fourth hole started from this point to a green near the sand trap on the present third green. This was the long hole, about 425 yards.

The fifth was a short hole played in front of the present fourth and it was probably one of the smallest greens on any recognized golf course. This green had a hollow centre and provided that you got your ball on the green with your tee shot, a birdie was always possible.

The sixth hole was played to a green situated near the present fiftcenili tc:c. The seventh hole was played from a tee west of the sixth grc:cn to a green near the top of the

thirteenth fairway. The eighth was played downhill to the present fourteenth and the green was right alongside the dam, with the risk of losing one's ball in the water.

The ninth hole was played from the other side of the 15

HOUSE.1

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ClUI HOUSf !

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No. 1 LAYOUT ROL& l 2 5

YD5

285 140 155

HOU 4 5 6

BOU 7 8 9

YDS 280 160 2!10

Ml-.MORl.\L ENTRANCE Ci:\TES n••nJt<"\I to tht· club by Sc:r\KClllcn of t-c>1h w.irld \\',1r,.

\'![\\' OF cLL'AHOL'SE FROM THE TF:"TH f.\lRW.\ Y

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

dam to a green adjacent to the clubhouse (see No. 1 layout).

Despite the crudity of this layout, the members regarded it as temporary and played over it for about fifteen months. There were no complaints and in fact members and associates seemed to enjoy the picnic atmosphere which prevailed. The important point was they had great faith in the future of the club.

Extension to Eighteen Holes As soon as possible plans were made for an extension to eighteen holes. It was decided to use the area of the northern side along Copeland Road to the creek which runs through the property near the eastern boundary.

Contracts were let for clearing the present first, six­ teenth and seventeenth fairways of trees and other obstruc­ tions, small couch greens were formed for the first, second, sixteenth and seventeenth holes, and the ground cut out from the eastern bank of the creek for the eighteenth green. This work was completed and the course was ready for play about June, 1924 (see No. 2 layout).

With the new holes in play bringing the course close to the eastern boundary, it was felt that a decent club­ house should be erected, and it was decided to build a brick cottage clubhouse on the high ground above the east side of the creek at a cost of about £3,000.

New Clubhouse Built A proposal had been made to buy some land opposite the present third tee facing Pennant Hills Road and Cope­ land Road and erect the clubhouse there. A majority of the members were against this proposal on account of the distance from rail transport. (At that time it was not necessary to own a car to play golf.)

17 c

"ou,s• THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

:

To enable this work to be carried out the bank was approached for an overdraft increase and more money had to be found. An appeal was made to the members, about £1,100 was secured and the work was put in hand.

This original building forms part of the present clubhouse. It provided comparatively small accommodation for members and associates and a dining room. Provision was also made for living quarters for the caretaker. An attempt was made to have a small room built for the Honorary Secretary, but funds would not permit of this.

A motion that the Honorary Secretary should make use of the kitchen pantry was defeated. The clubhouse was opened in July, 1925. The soil excavated on the site was used to form the putting green which has been a distinct feature of the clubhouse grounds.

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Improvements to Course Whilst this material progress was being made a large amount of work was being done on the course by the members themselves by way of working bees and individually clearing scrub, removing stumps, filling in holes and wells. A forest devil and chains were purchased to assist in pulling out the stumps, which was generally done after wet weather, and the result of this work was to greatly widen the playing area of each hole. ft should be noted that in the first few years the couch greens, which were all rectangular, were surrounded by wire fencing to keep the cattle away. The club obtained extra revenue from the local dairyman to the extent of £8o per annum for agistment.

George Howard was appointed professional in September, 1924, and he also became the caretaker and caterer of the new building, living on the premises.

18

HOU I I s t $ •

.. y us ,,, '6S 140 liSO 4!0

No. 2 LAYOUT ... us

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II 12

180 75

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MOU IS 14 15 16 17 II

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275 I!! uo 140 ISO 80

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THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

First 18-Hole Layout The first 18-hole course began with a short hole of about 150 yards from a tee near the bunkers of the present eighteenth green to the hollow in the first fairway which is still visible. The second hole was played to the present first, and our present second became No. 3; this was played from the present ladies' tee. To gtt a full eight � n required compactness on the limited area and the fau­ ways were fairly tight. It will be noted that the fourteenth was played from the opposite direction to that now played, the tee being on the present thirteenth fairway.

No. 2 layout gives a fairly accurate idea of the 18-hole course as played for the first time in June, 1924. Its length was about 5,000 yards. It was appreciated that this was only the first step towaids the final layou � and pr og ress was limited to the amount of money ava11a le.

�

In the following year contracts were let for tree cumng for two new fairways, the present eighth and tenth. In the meantime there were difficulties with course mainten­ ance. The club hired a horse and cart and picked up a s«ond-hand horse mower. This, however, was a slow job in growing weather and members complained of t he long grass on the fairways. A proposal that a Ransome's motor mower be purchased for ffrJ ros. was agreed to by the Committee provided the members subscribed more than half the cost. At the next meeting the Greens Committee reported they had collected about f4o and p ermission was

granted. It was also decided to buy a horse and cart for

£28.

Bridge 811ilt On completion of the timber cutting on the new fair­ ways, stump holes were planted with couch grass by 20

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

working bees and the ground staff, and the new greens were got under way, but play was not possible until about September, 1!)25, very wet weather having something to do with this delay. This new layout which incorporated the present eighth, ninth and tenth holes, increased the length of the course to about 5A83 yards (No. 3 layout).

The only bridges over the creek in those days were old railway sleepers laid immediately over the creek, so that

members had to walk down and up the sid� of the creek at the present first, ninth, tenth and eighteenth holes and

this demanded both stamina and willpower, particularly at the tenth. This brought about a lot of complaints, bur a bridge was not erected till early in 1927. It took the form of a swiDg bridge about 30 feet above the creek bed.

It did $Way quite a lot and in fact it was considered by

many members to be dangerous, but it has been strengthened and enlarged and has stood all teSts imposed on it for thirty years.

About this time, the Honorary Secretary had the temerity to ask that he be allowed to get a typewriter.

The request was duly considered by the committee and they agreed that he should be allowed to buy one, pro­ vided it did not cost more than £15.

Tree

Planting

In 1926 it was decided to lengthen the twelfth (tenth) hole by bringing the tee back about 20 yards. Before this could be done, however, the staff was engaged in remov­ ing rocks and stones from the lower portion of the fair­ way and it was reported that ninety cart loads had been taken to support and enlarge the tenth (present ei ghth) green. In the same yea r, :is a result of continual complaints from the members, the cattle were removed from the course and the club lost £8o per annum, a serious matter 21

THE PENNANT HILLS COLP CLUB

in those money-tight days. A tree planting scheme was inaugurated in this year. That portion of the course used for the lirst nine holes was almost completely bare of trees when the land was bought. Lophosternons were planted around the fence from the second fairway to the fourth green. Several hundred trees have been planted since and have greatly added to the beauty of the course.

In 1925 the Drummoyne Golf Club, one of the twelve golf clubs in existence when our club was formed, was forced to close down, the land on which its 9-hole course was situated was taken over for subdivision, and the members were dispersed among several clubs. Some thirty of them joined Pennant Hills. They were a welcome addi­ tion to our numbers and induded some very good players, Dr. H. M. Cutler winning the Club Championship on five occasions and Mr. E. E. Doran twice.

In 1927 the trees were cut out for the final two holes, the fifth and the seventh, the fifth being the longest hole on the course. The new course as shown on No. 4 layout, had a length of about 5,714 yards. It will be noticed that

OA��I�

�14.

the course appears much closer to the present layout and the fourteenth hole is played for the first time as it is now. The new layout was played in 1927 and was not altered to any great extent for several years, but it still ha<l too many short holes.

Of course at this time the club had no liquor licence and this imposed hardships on the members. Each was supposed to bring his own bottle and it is doubtful if camaraderie in the club ever reached a higher peak than during this period. Difficulty was also created for the Committee when club teams played matches against clubs that had licences, and Pennant Hills players could not reciprocate in the same manner.

Eventually the club decided to provide two bottles 0£

No. 3 LAYOUT HOD

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160 320

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320 120 385

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No. 4 LAYOUT

HOLE

9 10 11 8

12

437 382 125 414 407 456 YDS

u 14 15 16 17 18

HOLE

377 155

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360 359 165 311

rtRST Cl.CRHOL'SE APRIL. J<J23

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

whisky (5/6 bottle) and half a dozen lager for team matches played at the club. It is not known whether this proved satisfactory.

Extensions to Clubhouse Late in 1928, with increasing membership-over

200

full members-it became evident that the clubhouse accommodation was quite inadequate. It was decided that plans should be drawn up for an extension to the premises to provide increased locker and shower rooms and a lounge room. This extension was completed in September and officially opened in October, 1929. This work cost about £3,500 and was again financed by a loan from members anJ increased bank overdraft.

This year the Greens Committee requested that a motor tractor and quintuplet set of mowers be bought. This was agreed to and in 1930 for the first time the club was able to give its members well-cut fairways to play over. Pas­ palum grass has always been a curse to golf clubs on the hard soil area and it has been a real pest for this club. It was eventually decided to buy a reaper so that the paspalum could be cut back in those areas not required for play.

Another pest was coursing dogs. Dog owners in the district were using the course for training purposes and liked to start the dogs on the greens. Eventually the police had to be called in to stop the nuisance. The owners were very irate anJ threatened revenge, but thought better of it.

Until 1930 there were no bunkers on the course but in

this year a number of greens had sand traps. These at first

were not popular with many members.

In September, 1930, Mr. C. Tonking, who had been Honorary Secretary for several years, was appointed full­ time Secretary (a position he held until his death in D

25

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

September, 1939)· This year was also notable as the begin­ ning of the inter-club match with the Roscville Goll Club which has continued to this day. It is a unique event because every member of each club can take part and large fields turn out for this event each year. It is played on both courses, half the Rosevillc players coming to Pennant Hills and half the Pennant Hills players playing at Rose­ vitle.

With the increase in motor cars the club had to take steps to provide a parking area and a plan for this purpose was adopted in December.

12.

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The Depression In 1931 the club in common with all others felt the effects of the depression. The membership fell rather seriously, but despite this drawback the Committee decided that the work of improvjng the course was not to be retarded. Proposals were put forward for the con­ struction of a new hole of about 188 yards (sixth) to take the place of the short first hole. This was agreed to and the work put in hand. A lot of filling and levelling had to be done and the hole was not played till 1933. The short first hole was amalgamated with the second to form the present first hole (see Plan 5) and this layout has been played to the present day. This alteration not only gave increased length, about 6,250 yards, it avoided congestion at the first tee.

Topdress ing Fairways During the period between 1932-39 the club spent a lot of money on fairway topdressing. Compost heaps of bush sand and manure were made and allowed to mature, a heavy weighted chain harrow was run over the far i way and the compost was then applied to a depth of about 1f'.

26

MJllN ltml-'NCl No.

S LAYOlTr

The WM as the prcscnt l')out n ocp< th" at a number of boles, tht

tea hue bc<o ulten � ($« paaes 32·3.)

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

This process whc i h continued for eight years enabled the club to attain well grassed fairways, which could have been still further improved had water been obt:iinable but alas, during this period we had a succession of dry summers and water was not available. At this time bridges were built over the creek at the first, ninth and tenth, and a low bridge at the eighteenth. Much of the timber used was obtained from the trees on the course.

In the year 1933 it appeared that the club had the oppor­ tunity to obtain a liquor licence. The Hunter's Hill Golf Club, one of the older clubs, played over a g.hole course on land belonging to the Gladesville Mental Hospital.

It was an unusual club because while its membership was restricted to about forty-five members it had a liquor licence. The Hospital authorities requiring the land for extensions gave the club notice to quit. They approached our club about taking over their members and of course the licence. Negotiations were almost completed when it was discovered that the licence could not be transferred to us because the club was outside the electoral boundary in

which the Hunter's Hill Club was situated. In 1905

the New South Wales Parliament was elected by propor­ tional representation, and five members were elected for each large electorate, and the law demanded liquor licences could only be transferred within an electoral boundary. It also insisted that no club could have a licence if it was formed after the year 1905. The club therefore lost what appeared to be a golden opportunity.

This naturally caused great disappointment an<l much adverse criticism among the members. The Hunter's Hill licence eventually went to the Pymble Golf Club.

The Pennant Hills Golf Club had to wait until the new Liquor Act of 1946 became law before it was able, with many other clubs in the State, to obtain a licence. l8

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF

CLUB

New Club Constitution About 1934 there was a good deal of criticism of the company constitution. Every person joining the club had t o take a share in the company, but when he resigned as a club member he still remained a shareholder. It was discovered that there were about twice as many non­ playing shareholders as there were active members, and

it was eventually decided that a non-profit company should be formed to take over the old club. A new con­ stitution was drawn up. It provided that there were to be no directors; all officers and committee were to be ap­ pointed at the annual meeting. After being approved by '"

the

members the constitution c:ime into effect at the

end of 1937. Existing members transferred their shares as entrance fees. An appeal

was

made to non members to

donate their shares and while a large number did

so,

a

m inority had to be paid in cash. It was decided to leave the word "district" out of the name of the new club.

i..Arger Club Premises After 1932 the ill effects of the depression seemed to pass away and the membership began to increase rapidly. This again drew attention to the need for larger club premises.

The matter was

discussed in

1937 and it was eventually

decided that plans should be drawn up for another exten­ sion. These were approved late in 1938 and the builders began

work in

January, 1939. This work of course re­

quired more money and apart from the bank it was decided to make a debenture issue of £5,000 to the members, which was fully subscribed. This debenture issue was eventually repaid by arranging for fairly large bank accommodation.

The new clubhouse was officially opened on 26th May, 29

\•l

THE

1939. It provided increased locker room, showers and three ..

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

spacious rooms in front of the old building, covering up the verandah and steps. Except that the associates' quarters were completely rebuilt several years ago no further exten­ sion has been made to date. It is interesting to note that a Secretary's office was included. The club was fortunate to

The

build at this time because building costs were much lower than today.

builder's contract was for 4>353 and

were encamped among the trees on the course and many of our cherished plants and flowers disappeared when the bugle blew for meal time. This occupation caused some alterations to be made for service purposes and a tempor­ ary store room was built outside the locker room adjacent to the bar. Like many temporary structures it existed for a long time.

including extras and furnishings the total cost was about £5,6oo. The membership at this time was about 250 full

Remaking the Greens

members, 50 provisional, and 125 associates. The building

available, the course gradually got into a very bad state.

was opened not long before the outbreak of World War II

The greens were much reduced in size and developed a bad putting surface. None of the original greens had been

and it was realized that the club would have a difficult

After six years of war and with only one man, Howard,

time ahead, but no one realized how difficult it would be.

drained properly and this contributed to their defects.

About seventy-Jive of the younger men joined the Forces

They became hard and water and fertilizers would not

and the club decided they should retain their member­

penetrate. Much argument took place about their improve­

ship without any charge during the war. Other men were lost through being required for war service in various

ment, but it was finally decided that all the greens should be taken up and remade with proper drainage. 1t was

forms. The result was a considerably reduced revenue.

decided to ask the late Eric Apperley, architect by pro­

Interest on the debenture issue was not paid for fifteen months. Staff had to be reduced until in the Jina! stages Howard was the only man on course maintenance, and

fession, who had been one of our best amateur players and who for some years had gone in for golf architecture, to submit sketch plans for remaking the greens. His ideas

there was one steward. The Secretary having been retired,

and plans were accepted and at this date fourteen greens

a Miss Oates acted as Secretary and House Manager.

have been completely reconstructed. The old greens were bulldozed out to get rid of couch roots, reformed and

Military Takes Over

drained and finally sown with

Agrostis tenuis.

In 1942 the military authorities took over more than

Today it can be said that these new greens are free

half the clubhouse which was at first prepared as a

from infection by any other grass and give almost perfect

casualty clearing station. At that time, it will be remem­

putting surfaces. The drainage system has stood up to the

bered, the Japanese were expected to invade the coast

most severe rainstorms. Since the war special attention

north of Sydney and Pennant Hills was considered a safe

has been given to the fairways and they now compare very

site for the station.When the Japanese menace disappeared

favourably with other courses. They are covered mainly

the space was converted into a convalescent home for

by Kikuyu and Blue Couch grasses which give good cover

soldiers. While the invasion scare lasted about 250 men

on heavy soil and with night watering they should be in

30

31

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLP CLUB

THE COURSE TODAY First Nine Holts

Hole

Yards 501

Par 5

Description Dogleg. Green has two bunkers

on left hand side 2nd hollows on right.

grassy

l

405

4

Slight dogleg, to rising green.

Large bunker on left-hand corner.

3

5o6

5

Slight dogleg. Two-level green with very large bunker on left, smaller bunker to the right at

4

165

3

One-shot hole. Very well bunk

5

563

5

Dogleg. Sloping fairway. Green on slight angle, bunkered on both

6

2<Y7

3

One-shot hole. Bunkers and creek

back. ered green front

and

sides.

sides.

on

right, large bunker on left

of green.

7

437

4

Dogleg. Green well bunkered on

8

382

4

175 yards carry to sloping fair· way. Green bunkered on right,

9

130

3

One-shot

hole

bunkered

front

right. Bunker at rear on left.

fading into bush on left. to

green.

and left

Well side.

Creek on left side and in front.

Grassy hollow on right.

THf.

PENN.�:-!T HILLS GOLF CLUB

THE COURSE TODAY &cond Nine Holes Holt:

Yards

Dercrrption

Par

TO

4r4

4

Straight. Green hos lar!l"c gras.�y hollows on right. �o bunkers.

II

407

4

Dogl eg Bunkers on right-hand

I2

456

s

Almost straight. GreeJ1 bunkcrcrl on e ither side.

13

377

4

Dogleg. Smallish gree n bunhred on ei ther side.

14

r55

3

One-shot

15

3u

4

Almost straight. Bunker nn left-

16

JOO

4

Dogleg. Green bunkered 011 front ancl right-hand �de, fade away on left.

17

159

4

Doglc�. Green bunkered on righthand front and left side.

18

184

3

Onc-shor hole well bunkered

3,023 3,291>

35 36

Total 6,Jl9

71

First 9 holes

.

sirlc of !(rcen.

,

hole.

Green

heavily

bunkered. hand side of green.

33

to on

elevated green,

both sitles.

THE

PE"NN.\NT H I L L S G O L F

r:u:n

Tl!E

good playing order in dry summer periods. Roth these grasses are impervious to paspalurn.

About 1950 a machine house was ereckd large enough to rake care of the large and expensive pl:int that is required today by golf cluhs. It includes a repair shop and small engineer's outfit anJ must of the repairs are carried out by a man who is a mechanic by trade.

The club mcmhers have always takrn pride in the

PENN l\ ':'l T

H I L L S GOLF C L U B

funior . .

7 53 249 7 33 24

Non-pla�ing Memb�rs Assodates Junior As.<ociates

.

.

Non·pla)·ing Associates Country Members

.

.

Coun rry Associates

7 5

Life Member�

gardens surrounding the clubhouse. Several }'ears agu the whole area adjacent tu it an<l che pro shop was redesigned anJ landscaped to produce a very colourful and pkasing effect. A full-time gardener is employed with the result that the garden is well looked after and is always produc­ ng i glorious new colour schemes. It is claimed at times to have a soothing effect nn golfers whose luck has deserted them for the time being.

EntmJJce Gates The parking area was increased to accommodate more cars and in conformation with this alteration the Returned Servicemen's Section of che dub donated a very beautiful scheme for entrance gates to the club in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice in the war. This two-way entrance in sandstone is notable for its subdued effects both night and day, it just seems to fit into the picture naturally.

1t is in a strong financial posmon and is very wdl man.aged. Only. those who knew the area when it was bought by the club can realize and fully appreciate the twnsformation that has taken place in thirty-six years.

The cour�c today is a good test of golf with a par of 71, the length 1s 6,319 yards, and many of the fairways ;ire tree-lined. In laying out the course it wao decided to leave as many of the native tree> as possible and with several dogleg holes players find it pays to hit str:iight. Leading golfers from other club� have highly praised the putting surface of the new greens. The bunkering is mu<lcrn and fairly sever�. The fairways ha\•e be.en brought ro a stage of grass cover that seemed years ago impossible to attain.

To further improve and keep them in top condition during the dry spells which come our way

a

night water·

ing scheme is required and this we know is having the close atrcntion of the Committee.

Pemzn11t Hill! Club Today The dub is now well established. It h:is of:

a

membership 422 52 17

Ordinary

Provisional "A" ProvisionJ.1 "B" 34

A good deal of improvement work still remains to be done. The eleventh green is being reconsrrueted now and the twelfth, thirteenth and fifteenth still have to be remade.

It is interesting to note that landscaping was used extensively by Eric Apperlcy 35

m

forming many of the

THE PENNANT HILLS

GOLF CLUB

new greens, making them appear as natural features instead of ugly mounds stuck up in the air.

Future of the Cltib

The members of the club today have a wonderful herit­ age handed down to them and they should do all they can to help the club to still further improve and enhance it. By doing this lhey will not only be making it a beautiful parkland in a rapidly expanding residential area, but they will also be showing their appreciation for the work done by the founders of the club who began with enormous enthusiasm but very little money.

As a final tribute to the founders of our club, we append the last four lines of a song written by W. S. Gilbert for

The Gondoliers:

". . . The culminating pleasure That we treasure beyond measure Is the gratifying feeling That 'our' duty has been done."

r

•

STATE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, 1959

T H E N.S.W. G O L F A S S O C I A T I O N

As though to give emphasis to the club's great develop­ ment over the years, the New South Wales Golf Associa­ tion, after an inspection of the course, requested that the club allow the State Open Championship to be played here on March 2oth and 21st, 1959. This was immediately agreed to by the Committee.

The event was to have been played at the Pymble Golf Club but unfortunately that club was having trouble with its greens, and it asked the Golf Association to arrange for the championship to be played on another course.

Favoured by good rainfall during the late summer months our .::ourse was n i excellent order and provided a good test of golf for the Championship.

The winner was a young pro. Harry Kershaw, 19 years of age. He played splendid golf and had rounds of 68, 69, ']6, 71 for a score of 284 for the 72 holes. In doing this he equalled the par of the course.

37

APPENDIX A

THI'.. HISTORY OF THE NAME "PENNANT ft!LLS11 Believing it would be of interest to find out the origin of the place name "Pennant Hills", we approached the Royal Australian Historical Society and they very kindly supplied the following information: "The .name Pennant Hills first occurs in September, r88o, in a letter written by Governor King to the Duke of Portland. This contained a list of public buildings pro­ posed to be erected by his successor, Governor John Hunter. The letter states: 'Another stock-yard was de­ signed for the Government at Pendant Hills, in the Dundas district, but is not yet begun to be enclosed.'

Hunter wrote the name Pendant.

"In 18o2 King wrote to the British Government: 'I am going on now with a new settlement which lies in the range of Pennant Hills and Hawkesbury.' It will be noted that King tvrotc Pmnant Hills.

"A small group of settlers were granted lands in 1799 in what s i now West Pennant Hills. Their grants lay in what was called Dundas District. It seems that Hunter, or King (probably the former), was responsible for the name. It is not clear why the name was given-there was no one of the name in N.S.W. at that time. There was a Thomas Pennant in England at that time; he was a well known botanist.

"The original Pennant Hills lay n i what is now West Pennant Hills. Governor Macquarie established a sawing plant at what was then called Pennant Hill. This stood near what is now West Pennant Hills and a gang of 39

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLP CLUB

convicts cut the timber which was then carted down to Parramatta River for shipment to Sydney."

APPENDIX B

When the northern railway line was built the name Pen nant Hills was given to a station midway between Beecroft a n d Normanhurst. This caused annoyance a n d inconvenience to visitors to the Pennant Hills Golf Club i n its early days, when they foun<l that they shoul d have alighted a t Beecroft, instead of Pennant Hills station.

The successful development of a golf club s i substantially a matter of team work and in this respect our club has been very fortunate. It is not possible to mention :ill those members who have given good service. However there arc five men I feel should be mentioned because of their outstandi ng service to the club. 111c y are Dr. A. C. Holt, R. Vicars, T. B. :'.'lossitcr, E. J. Hyde and H. C. Small.

I am certain that these short biographical sketches will be of some interest to the members.

M. w.

NORTHEY.

Arthur Christian Holt

Arthur Christian Holt, who conceived the idea of a golf club, was born oo 3oth November, 1873 at Bright, Ovens River Valley, Victoria. His father was the Church of England minister. His father was made Dean and was transferred to Deniliquin a few years later. Young Holt to the King's School and won a scholarship to Sydney University where he took his B.A. and M.B. degrees. He a n d his family came to live in Beecroft in was sen t

1913-

Very interested in lawn tennis, he joined the local club an<l played an importa nt part in its progress. In 1921 he formed the idea that Beecroft should have a golf club a n d began to gather support among his friends. By the middle of 1922 he bad made sufficient progress to call :i meeting of those interested :it the local School of Ans early in September. When the club was formed, he became a Director a n d for several years spent most of his spare time helping in the tasks of putting the course in a Lener 41 F

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

condition for players. His drive and optimism played a most important part in the formative years of the club.

He died in 1942.

Robert Vicars Robert Vicars, who by purchasing the land made it pos· sible for the dub to be formed, was born at Rockhampton, Queensland, 7th August, 1867. His family came to Sydney in 18n After attending a school in Sussex Street at the foot of Bathurst Street, he became a pupil at the Sydney Grammar School and at seventeen intended to study at Sydney University for an M.B. degree. One of his elder brothers, John, however persuaded him to come n i to his wool business, the well-known firm of woollen mmers, ]. Vicars and Co., of which he was Chairman of Directors for many years.

In 1916 he brought his family to live at Cheltenham.

Keenly interested in the development of the district, he joined Beecroft Bowling Club and although he played a fair amount of golf, bowls was of greater interest! Yet when Dr. Holt made the suggestion to him of forming a golf club, he became his most enthusiastic supporter.

When the Committee appointed at the preliminary meet· n i g failed after some months to find a suitable site, he bought the land which the club now owns and offered it to them at the price be paid for it, £.j,750, if they would form a club. He was a Director of the club for many years and his long business experience was very valuable. Now in his ninety-second year, he is in good health and very alert mentally.

THE

PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

he b1:came a Director of the Henry Jones Co-operative Company and Managing Director of the Peacock Jam Com.pany. He lived at Beecroft early in 1913 and then moved to Cheltenham.

He was a very keen supporter of the idea of forming a golf dub and gave great assistance to Dr. Holt in arrang· n i g for the preliminary meetings. When the club was form1:d, he was appointed Chairman of Directors (this also carried the title of President) and he held this posi­ tion Jfor ten years and seven months before retiring.

During his term of office, the club went through its most difficult period. It was always in financial difficulties but 1f.B. had the ability, with his charming smile, to smooth out these difficulties, and encourage his fellow Directors to carry on. The club undoubtedly owes a great deal to T. B. Nossiter. He died in 1948.

Ernest fohn Hyde

i Sydney on 26th June, Thomas Bailey Nossiter was born n 1873. Associated with manufacturing interests all bis life,

Ernest John Hyde was born in Sydney on 5th June, 1879.

All his life he has taken a keen interest in all sports, particularly cricket and golf. He is a member of the following clubs: the Australian; Pennant Hills; Royal and Ancit�nt, St. Andrews, and Royal Adelaide. He is also an honorary life member of Royal Adelaide and Pennant Hills..

As a boy he attended Fort Street and Sydney Boys' High Schools. ln l9<Jl he became a founder of the well. known engraving house of Hartland and Hyde, Sydney.

He joined Concord Golf Club in 1921. When he moved to Beecroft in 1922, he was invited to attend the prelimin· ary meetings for the formation of a golf club at Pennant Hills. He became a foundation member of this club and since that time has held the following offices: Member

42

43

T!tomas Bailey Nossiter

THE PfSSANT HILLS COLP CLUB

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

first Committee ( 1924), Director ( 1925), President ( 1933-

54).

His nterest i in administration led to his becoming

the club delegate to the Sydney and Suburban Golf Associ­ ation in 1927 anti President of that body in 1947-8. After the formation of the N.S.W. Golf Association he was Vice-President in I!>-19-50, and PresiJent in 1950o5. He was

He also commenced the greens reconstruction pro­ gramme working to the plans of the late Mr. Eric Appcrlcy. This programme had a great deal to do with the playing improvement in the course. Harry's interest in this club is undoubted and we arc indebted to him for his personal efforts in the club's advancement.

delegate to the Au�tralian Golf t;nion from 1951-6 and

Chairman of the Executive of the A.G.U. in 1954. Allied to this was his term as Director of the Grass Research Bureau (N.S.W.) Ltd. Progress of our club h:is always been his m:iin interest, second only to the interest he sbowed for his business.

Now retired, he nevertheless retains a lively interest

n i

the

club's future development.

Harr)'

Campbell Small

Harry Campbell Small was born in Sydney in 18<)1. He commenced the

well-known chocolate manufacturing

company of H. C. Small and Co. in 1920 and became associated with the golf club as a member in 1931.

Appointed to the Committee n i

as a Director

n i

1934,

he accepted office

1935 and on the formation of the new

club in 1938 was elected Vice-President and occupied the dual roles of Vice-President and C:lptain for a period of four years (1941-5). He was elected :i life member of the club n i 1952 for the valuable service he had rendered.

He became President

n i

1954, which office he held for

three years until his retirement in 1957.

Whilst Chairman of the Course Maintenance Com­ mittee he was responsible for the landscaping of the grounds in the immediate vicinity of

the

clubhouse, a

duty which had his personal supervision. This

area

bring�

many laudatory comments from visitors to the club.

44

45

A PPENDIX C When the Pennant Hills Golf Club was formed in Feb­ ruary, 1923, there were twelve golf clubs in the metro­ politan area. They were: Royal Sydney, the Australian, the senior clubs, Concord, Bonnie Doon, Moore Park, Parramatta and Drummoyne on the south side of the harbour and Parramatta River and Manly, Killara, Cam­ meray, Long Reef, Hunter's Hill.

Hunter's Hill and Drummoyne were forced

to

close

down and Parramatta later joined the Ryde Club to form ·

•

Ryde-Parramatta.

All these clubs, except Royal Sydney anti Australian, were members of the Suburban and Country Golf Associ­ ation. In 1925 the Suburban District Golf Association was formed. The N.S.W. Golf Council was the head body.

It was made up by twelve delegates, two each from the two

senior clubs and four each from the country and

city bodies.

Since the end of the First World War there has been a tremendous increase in the popularity of golf in New South Wales and as a consequence there has been a gradual development in the government of the game which led eventually to the formation in 1948 of the N.S.W. Golf Association which, including the Country Golf Associ­ ation, now has complete control over the game in this State.

One of the .first acts of the new body was to decide that the metropolitan area should be within a radius of 20 miles of the G.P.0. Today in this area .fifty-six clubs are affiliated with a membership (men only) of

20,000.

addition there are several public courses and 47

a

In

large

THE

PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

number of practice grounds. There are about 250 clubs in the Country Association with a membership of 25,000.

The Australian Golf Union is the governing body in Australia, and there has been a reorganization of its Constitution during the past ten years.

New South Wales and Victoria have three delegates each, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia

two delegates each and Tasmania one.

In New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, the five senior clubs are entitled to one delegate from each State. It is the body recognized by the Royal and Ancient Club ofSt. Andrews and controls the National Champion­ ships and the touring teams to and from Australia. The finance necessary for this purpose s i found by the State Golf Associations on a population basis and the contribu­ tion from New South Wales is neady £1,000 per annum.

APPENDIX D

Original Directors were: T. B.

Nossitcr (Chairman)

R. J. Vicars W. Douglas

A. C. Holt

W. J. Lyon to whom H. Chorley and D. B. Wiltshire were added in April, 1923.

Until 1937 the Chairman of Directors assumed the title of President of the golf club.

Until the Second Annual General Meeting in 1924 the

Directors were in sole contrQJ, At this meeting (1924) the Directors agreed to the formation of a Committee to assist them n i the control of the club.

This system continued until 1937 when the present method was adopted.

A list of the club's officials is set out below: Presidents: T. B. Nossitcr E. J. Hyde

1923-33 1933-54 '954"57

H. C.

Small

M. W. Northey

1957-

Past CaptaiJis: J. A. North

1924-26

H.

1926-27

..

1927-28 1928-30

G. Vernon

A. North Dr. T. A. Daly

}J.

R. J. Vicars

E. Doran

1930-33

H.

193n8

49

Thew

THE PENNANT HILLS COLP CLUB

THE PENNANT HILLS COLP CLUB

T. E. Dence H. C. Small }J. Graham H. C. Small H. C. Small A. Parker A. Parker J. A. Grant J. A. Grant T. R. Carruthers S. J. Hines E. A. Thew

1938-41 1941-41 1941-43

]. Shaw

Miss E. Oates, Acting &crc1ary W. H. Lannen

F. . . {F.

1943-45 1945-46

1946-47

1947-49

194�1 1952"58 195!!-

The following members

have acted

as

H. F. Lambcnon A. E. Marks

Honorary

Treasurers:

J. H. Lyon

1924-16 1926-38 1938-47 1947"54 1954•

R. F. Wyly H. l. Gregory M. W. Northey ]. D. Jones

Ilonorary Secretaries:

1923-24 1924-25

T. G. Millner

1925-26 1926-27 1927-JO

J. A. North H. G. Vernon C. Tonking

In September, 1930,

J. A. North and W. A. Clark (Joint Hon.

Secretaries)

a

permanent paid secretary was

appointed. The following have held the position : C. Tonking W. Rothwell

1930-39 193cr40 50

51

APPENDIX E Club Championship 1924 1925

H. P. Reed

1926

H. M. Cutler

1927

1928

J. Riddell H. M. Cutler

C. W. Brown

1947 1948

A. Ritchie

J. Graham C. Carruthers

1949 A. Ritchie 1950 C. Carruthers

E. E. Doran

1929 H. M. Cutler 1930 H. M. Cutler 1931 H. M. Cutler

r951

E. S. Lean

1952

E. S. Lean

1953

1932 G. W. Somerville 1933 F. G. Hooton 1934 C. J. Webster 1935

1939 1946

T. E. Dence

C. Carruthers

1954

C. Carruthers

1955

J. Sparrow

1956

J. Sparrow

1957 C. Carrutbers 1958 A. Bentley

19,36 H. P. Reed 1937 H. P. Reed 1938 E. E. Doran

Pennant Hills C11p 1933 F. G. Hooton 1934 C. A. Su1Jivao 1935

C. J. Perk ins

1948

D. Sharp

1949 1950

A. Riichie

E. S. uan (Not played)

1951 1952

K. 'Pix

1953

H. Berwick

1955

H. Berwick-

1936

P. F. Hughes

1939

J. Thompson

1954 B. Ratcliffe

1941

J. S. Macqueen

1956

N. Bartell

1946

J. Garrity

A. Bentley

1947

C. Carruthers

1957 1958

1937 A. G. Tomlinson 1938 F. A. Paul

1940

H. P. Reed

53

H. Berwick

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

THE PENNANT HILLS GOLF CLUB

AJ.F. Cup 1926 H. F. G. Walker 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 . r932 1933 1934 1 935 1936

1937 1938 1939 t940 1941 '942

1947

1943 G. Trotter 1944 J. Wills

H. L. Walker K. O'C. Oakes G. Pattinson H. Davie W. R. Schwilk C. Davis C. G. Milne H. B. Barry G. Troucr T. E. Dence M. E. Gallard D. H. Priestly R. B. Holliday P. E. Hall G. Trotter P. E. Hall

1945 A. G. Lees 1946 C. W. Sayers 1947 B. Arn<lale 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955

1956 1 957

1958

A. G. Lees E. L. Symes H. R. Griffiths J. Graham J. V. Dobbin R. B. Holliday A. E. Clarke S. Sharpe R. B. Holliday R. B. Holliday T. M. Lloyd

1928 1929 1930 1931

1932 1933 1934

1949 1950 195r 1952

W. R. Moir C. Wrightson T. A. Daly C. Wrightson H. F. G. Walker C. E. Thompson G. W. Somerville E. R. O'Sullivan W. M. Dcrrin E. W. Street H. Thew C. E. Thompson C. Davis J. I. Shepherd E. W. Gregory C. Wrightson

1935 1936 1937 t938 1939 1940 1941 1946

W. McManamey A. J. Tancred T. R. Carruthers A. R. Hammill E. J. Hyde W. A. Clark V. Macallister A. Maunder J. W. Jones W. L. Shortland W. McManamey E. Stanford W. McManamcy W. L. Shortland N. Woollctt R. Oxley

Buddle Buddle Carruthers J. Hyde F. Anderson Dietsch Quinton Stanford Aynsley N. Swan V. Macallister A. J. Richmond

1953 1954 1955 r956 1957 1958

J. Graham R. Webb W. McManamey F. C. Mudge C. Downes W. Scott V. M. Kendall K. R. Shannon R. Buddle F. J. Eggleton G. F. Jones A. Wilson

Associat�s Championship 1924 1925 1926 t927

Four Ball Knock-Out-Hislop Cup 1927

1948

P. R. C. E. A. T. C. E. L.

1928 1929 1930 r931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938

Miss A. M. Dence 1946 Miss J. Smith 1 947 Miss J. Smith 1948 Miss J. Smith 1949 Miss J. Smith 1950 Miss J. Smith 1951 Miss J. Smith 1952 Miss J. Smith 1953 Mrs. D. Rabb 1954 Mrs. D. Rabb 1955 Mrs. L. E. Taylor 1956 Mrs. M. Ringrose 1957 Mrs. L. E. Taylor 1958 Mrs. L. E. Taylor

Mrs. H. Morgan Mrs. H. Morgan Mrs. H. Morgan Mrs. H. Morgan Mrs. H. Morgan Miss L. Lowe Miss L. Lowe Miss Harrop Mrs. Beck Miss I. Morgan Mrs. H. J. Attwill Mrs. H. J. Attwill Miss L. R. Ball MissI. Morgan Miss A. E. Brown

54

'

'

1939

55