28th February 2023
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!
News Archive
27th February 2023
21st February 2023
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
8th February 2023
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 100th 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 1st tee to landing in the cup the 18th.
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;
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 26th 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
14th January 2023
Living History – Video of 1983 NSW Amateur Championships
Thanks to Scott Gresham for sending us a video taken during the 1983 NSW Amateur Championships played at Avondale.
The Match was between Tony Gresham and Tony Dight.
For those familiar with Avondale Course today there have been changes in layout since 1983. Their current temporary 11th was the 11th and the current 15th was added later replacing the 11th.
Scott apologized for the quality of the video, but as the camcorders of 1983 were analogue and far less capability than today’s digital camcorders, we do have to be grateful for what we have.
I have done some editing to remove irrelevant footage. And as the colours were overtly yellow, I have tried to correct to give a more dominant green. Far from perfect, but again thankful for having the footage.
We saw Gresham’s swing and touch in the PHGC 2006 Senior event. I feel sure we will be impressed with the silken swing and touch he had 23 years earlier.
Enjoy. And as in the Senior’s match here, when putts don’t drop, matches are lost !!!
Bruce Jones
