News Archive

Centenary Launch Day – President’s Address

For those who missed it please find below a copy of the President’s opening speech:

Presidents Address:

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;

1. An opportunity to reflect on achievements and enjoy the story – later today we launch the 4th publication of our history by Joan Eyles
2. Celebrate the now, have a party, today is the start of celebrating the now and enjoying the camaraderie for which we are well known.
3. 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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Members may also wish to view the Club’s historical “Timeline”, click here to view.

 

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Centenary Launch Day – Video

Our thanks to the wonderful Bruce Jones who has very quickly pulled together a video of the Centenary Launch Day Opening Ceremony.

We hope you enjoy it!

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Centenary Photos

Click here to view photos.

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PHGC Foundation – Golf Academy Update

I recently wrote to Foundation Members, updating them on the progress of the Foundation and the Golf Academy Project. One the benefits of Foundation Membership is that its Members receive Foundation updates before others.

I am pleased to advise that planning for the PHGC Golf Academy (GA) has been completed and that the Trustees with the approval of the Club Board are preparing to submit the plans and consultants reports for Development Approval via Hornsby Council. We expect approval to be granted within 6 months.

You will remember that the role of Foundations such as ours are to meticulously plan for the future of our Club, particularly regarding the creation and construction of assets to provide for this future.

This is an exciting development for our Club, and we are now in a position discuss details and the potential ways PHGC Members can contribute funds to the project.

It is worthwhile recalling that we are planning and preparing to build the Golf Academy at the request of the Club Board and in answer to the clear message members are giving in the surveys about new and improved practice facilities. The GA is a game changer, the 4 bays of Trackman provides member access to superb practice, training and instruction opportunities. In speaking with Neil, he says:

“Trackman is the best radar on the market trusted by Tour Professionals and club fitters all over the planet. With the radar and camera combination the accuracy is amazing whether used in indoor or outdoor settings. I find it has easy to use software and the data provided is relatable and relevant for any player, coach or club fitter. At all my fitting days held at the club Titleist, Ping, Taylor Made and Callaway all use trackman technology to get their data for fitting clubs to the most accurate specifications.”

In addition we are able to meet the Clubs request that we expand the cart storage to 50 carts and club storage to 150 buggies, plus fill in the missing part of our Club by providing an all weather practice facility. Trackman can allow players to practice, have lessons, play virtual golf, get clubs fitted and now even play tournament golf globally against other players.

I will leave it to the Club Board to address the relocation of the pro shop, suffice to say that it is difficult to run a pro shop and teaching facility out of a café where there is no line of sight to the 1st or 10th tee and carts are 60 meters away. Similarly, it is difficult to run a full service half way café sharing with a pro shop.

The Club via the Club Board, quite rightly have made it clear that the current cash flow and resources of the Club are dedicated to renewal of the course and exciting plans are in the pipeline to make this happen.

This means our Foundation needs to step in to accelerate the expansion of much needed training and Golf development facilities. Globally, clubs such as ours also have Foundations, as do many of our peers in Sydney where generous members of these clubs accelerate and provide amenities outside the normal cash flows from subscriptions and trading.

Funds for new projects such as the GA come from two sources.

1. Generous and caring members of Foundations.
2. Government Grants – Local, State and Federal.

Before we can commence the process of appealing to either source it is essential to show that we are “shovel ready”, to do so we need to complete the Development Application and obtain the Development Approval. We are slightly short of the funds we need to lodge the D/A, and ask that PHGC Members that are not Members of our Foundation consider joining now. A donation of $1,000 or more will secure your Membership, and allow you to participate in the exciting and continued growth of our club – and at a great time in our history as we reach the Centenary Milestone!

We already have 120 Members of the Foundation, I urge you all to consider joining now and making your donation for the 2023 tax year. Don’t forget all donations made via the Australian Sports Federation are tax deductible

Click here to make a tax deductible donation.

Click here to make a non-deductible donation.

Or via direct deposit (not deductible) – PHGC Foundation, NAB BANK – BSB 082 057 ACCT 706 889 067.

In summary and with the recent passing of one of our respected Members, Mr Ian Blair, it is poignant that we are about to the launch the final phase of your Foundations first project. Ian was a very successful businessman, holding senior positions in both Deloitte and Allens as well Directorships in Public Companies. He was instrumental, along with Steve Walker, in the creation of our Foundation. Without their vision, we would not be where we are today – about to create a fantastic new facility that will serve our Members for decades to follow. There is no doubt Ian was a visionary and the sort of Member who contributed greatly to our Club – he was Treasurer, President and benefactor. As he would say, be progressive and seize the moment.

It is interesting to note that we have many Foundation Members who constantly donate to us and that we also have many that have donated sums in excess of $10,000. For those Members in particular, we thank you – as it allows us to get things done and indeed to get to this exciting point in the development.

I have included some pictures below of the final design and location; I am sure you will agree it looks spectacular and is a project that we should all support. We need a little more funding to complete DA lodge the plans with Council. It is not much, but constructions costs and consultants’ costs are rapidly increasing, we need to move. Please donate if you can.

Kindest regards,

Ross Jackson
Chairman
PHGC Foundation

 

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President’s Update – February 2023

In my December letter I spoke about the Centenary and the preparations promising a yearlong festival of fun that includes something for everyone.  The first major events are just weeks away and I wanted to write to ensure members had an understanding of what is planned and to encourage everyone to take part.

One hundred years is a significant milestone, it is a time to reflect on achievements and rejoice in the legacy of our club. We look back and pay tribute to the vision, dedication and hard work of those before us and we renew our commitment to the next 100 years. The celebration is important, the opportunity to join in is compelling; don’t miss it, be part of it.

CENTENARY LAUNCH DAY SUNDAY 26 FEBRUARY

The Opening Day is Sunday February 26 when Her Excellency, The Hon. Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW and Patron of GOLF NSW will unveil a plaque to officially launch our 100^th birthday year. The Governor will be accompanied by Hon Julian Lesser MP, Federal member for Berowra and ardent supporter of our club, the Honourable Philip Ruddock AO Mayor of Hornsby and long-time enthusiast of our club will be with us as will the President of Golf NSW, Michael Medway and the CEO, Stuart Frazer.

Members are encouraged to attend and take part in the official launch formalities that will include raising the centenary flag and launching the centenary book .The Governor will unveil a plaque at the foot of the Centenary Clock which will be placed near the current sundial. The pictured clock is identical to the one we have purchased and can be seen at our reciprocal club – Western Australia Golf Club.

The speed relay challenge will commence at 10.30am where The Presidents Team and The Captains Team will race each other in a speed relay challenge to move a golf ball around 18 holes from the time of tee off on the 1^st tee to landing in the cup the 18^th.

The official ceremonies will get under way at 11.15 am before the official party move to lunch in the Beecroft Room while members and friends are invited to a free lunch on the terrace. Members are required to book for the free lunch and the should click on the following link;

https://www.pennanthillsgolfclub.com.au/members/bookings/open/event.msp?booking_event_id=1531370054&booking_resource_id=3010005

There are 205 bookings for Launch Day and the free lunch, don’t miss it, book now.

CENTENARY BALL SATURDAY 4 MARCH

The Centenary Ball will be a spectacular night of entertainment, fine dining and dancing for those so inclined. We want to fill the clubhouse. It is a black tie, “touch of glamour” or Cocktail Dress, a giant knees up event and the details can be accessed on the following link:

https://www.pennanthillsgolfclub.com.au/cms/centenary-gala-ball-saturday-4-march/

I can assure you that this will be a quality event in the annals of the Club. It will feature the finest food and beverages to be savoured over pre-dinner drinks and a three-course meal, fabulous entertainment featuring acclaimed band “Dancing in the Shadows of Motown” and well-known MC and golfer Cameron Daddo.  It truly is a special night not to be missed. Whilst we understand the $250 price might seem high, it is all inclusive and excellent value.

The picture is taken at the 1934 Ball in the Wentworth Hotel Ballroom with 260 revellers attending. The profit was reported at 4 shillings and 8 pence, 48 cents. The Committee will be happy with a similar outcome in 2023!

Dancing in the Shadows of Motown is a 10 Piece Powerhouse band featuring internationally renowned singers and musicians who faithfully recreate the dynamic live performances of   The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas,  The Four Tops, Fontella Bass, The Jackson Five, Junior Walker and many more MOTOWN Legends. They have sold out many shows all across Australia and internationally, including the Sydney Opera House and now performing at Pennant Hills Golf Club at this, our Centenary Gala Ball.

There are 168 confirmed bookings at the time of writing, we do want to fill the clubhouse and overtake the 1934 attendance, please book on the following link. Put your names down as individuals, couples or part tables, the committee will allocate members in tables of 10 for those booking as part tables. https://www.pennanthillsgolfclub.com.au/members/bookings/open/event.msp?booking_event_id=1531370108&booking_resource_id=3010005

There will be a photographer at the ball taking random snaps for inclusion in a pictorial publication that is under consideration to record our centenary year. The photographer will also take snaps of groups on request . In addition, a photo booth will be set up in the Founders Bar for happy snappers.

CENTENARY MEGA RAFFLE

With over $27k in fabulous prizes including golf trips, equipment, experiences and much, much more, this is the ultimate raffle for golf enthusiasts. Tickets have been selling well and the results ensure that the costs of the Centenary Clock are covered. Thanks to all of you who have bought a ticket.  The raffle is drawn on Centenary Launch Day 26^th Feb. If you do not have a ticket, it is not too late.   Ticket cost is 1 for $20, 3 for $50 and 7 for $100. Use can use the following link:

https://app.pem.blss.com.au/public/raffle?event_uuid=d41e9133-5d9d-4524-8bd5-e28dfc751834

Hope to see you at the Launch on Sunday, 26 February to and enjoy your company on Saturday, 4 March at the Ball.

Michael Rowan
President
Wednesday, 8 February 2023

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