Golf Society of Australia

A field of almost 50 had a most enjoyable day at Victoria Golf Club competing for the Doug Bachli Trophy, prior to attending the annual Cocktail Party and Annual General Meeting. This was the Society's final event for the year and it again proved to be one of its most popular.

Victoria Golf Club is about to stage the Australian Masters for the second time and preparations were evident throughout the course. The fairways were already in carpet like condition, bunkers were being groomed and the rough was growing at what seemed a formidable rate. The recent heavy rains did not appear to have had any detrimental effect on the greens that were quite fast and tricky for most of the visitors. All in all, the setting for the Masters is likely to be in perfect condition for the world's best golfers. Society members were again fortunate to have the opportunity to play on such a magnificent course and enjoy the Club's facilities for its Annual Meeting.

Dick Curtis was the winner on the day after scoring 38 Stableford points to claim the Doug Bachli Trophy and Men's Medal. Runner-up was Michael Sherett with 37 points. Michael is one of our New South Wales members and made a special trip to attend the day. Well done Michael. The Ladies Medal went to Virginia Gorrell (37 points) and runner-up was Joan Drummond who scored 33 points.

Paul Burgess

Tasmanian golfing legend Peter Toogood was the speaker at the September dinner which attracted a good crowd of Members and guests.

Peter gave a most interesting and entertaining talk about his long career as a top amateur golfer and afterwards had the opportunity of catching up with many friends from Melbourne.

The President, Committee and members of the Golf Society of Australia offer their condolences to the family of Dr Ken Shepherd, who died in September 2011.

In 1981, with the assistance of other golfing friends, Ken's idea to establish a society to research, document and preserve the history of golf in Australia came to fruition. He was a founding member, committee member, President (1988 - 1990), Life Member and Patron of the Society.

His contribution to golf in Australia was outstanding and we acknowledge especially his work to ensure the preservation of the history of the game here in Australia that is now assured through the Golf Society of Australia.