Phillip Island celebrates 75 years of competition golf
By Mary Whelan
From the early 20th century golf had been played on Phillip Island and in San Remo, on a couple of mostly rudimentary courses set up for the use of locals and holidaymakers.
Then in 1930 came Summerland. A grand vision of AKT Sambell was for a golf course, designed by renowned golf architect Alex Russell, with an adjoining housing estate. The course was popular and acclaimed as a challenging and scenic links course in the style of the early courses in Scotland.
The onset of WWII meant Summerland closed in 1939 and while attempts were made after the war the difficulties of a seven-mile rough road from Cowes and petrol rationing meant it was no longer attractive.
From this a new era for golf began under the leadership of Arthur John Jones (AJ Jones) who was a keen scratch golfer in the pre-war years and the new owner of the Continental Guest House (now North Pier).
With the support of 25 residents and business owners they purchased the 78-acre Smith farm on the edge of Cowes. In the family for three generations, it was then sold to the Cowes Golf Club Company P/L and soon after the Cowes Golf Club was formed. There were 17 Members and 15 Associates (ladies).
Volunteers were the backbone of the club, laying drainage pipes, building fairways and tees, and the first clubhouse in 1950.
Community asset
In 1954 there was a significant decision made, led by AJ Jones and supported by the majority of shareholders, to sell the land to the golf club. Payment included the set-up costs incurred and a small dividend. The club then went from strength to strength with furious fundraising paying off the bank loan in the next few years.
And so the story lives on, as volunteers remain the heart and soul of the club, sharing the common love of the wonderful and challenging pursuit of small golf balls across many acres of land, to drop into the 18 holes and then adjourn to the bar.
And here amidst the keenest rivalry for championship points lifelong friendships are also made, making playing golf for many, a passion and pursuit for life.
Marking the 75th Anniversary, two events were held; a Heritage 9-Holes on November 13 with 36 players enjoying the golf and the lovely morning tea that followed.
On Sunday November 16 there was the Golf and Gala, starting the day with 18 holes of golf then golfers joined many former and current members in the clubhouse for the Gala afternoon of shared stories and sporting trivia.
It was the opportunity to acknowledge the 33 Honorary Life Members who have made significant contributions over the decades.
There were also two special guests who were members of the club for many decades and came back to join the celebration. Frank and Jean Sedgman, both very keen golfers and Frank's achievements in world tennis are now legendary.
Led by Gerard Ferrari, the MC for the Gala, guests heard a snapshot of Frank's tennis achievements as many members and guests took the opportunity to share a few memories with Jean and Frank about their time at the club.
