Bill West
Woodend Golf Club is revelling in the limelight of being selected as Victorian Club of the Year at the 2022 Golf Australia awards night.
The awards ceremony at the Arts Centre in Melbourne on Thursday evening was hosted by Golf Australia and the PGA of Victoria.
Woodend was represented by president Barney Hearnden and secretary James O’Brien, and they were almost lost for words when their club was announced as the winner of the prestigious club of the year.
On reflection, the club leaders had an important message to convey:
“Our philosophy is simple. Golf clubs must reflect the communities that they live in, and for us it’s about ensuring golf is accessible and as affordable as possible. Golf is not a sport for the elite, it’s a game for all.”
The award was presented by Golf Victoria’s chair, David Shilbury, who commended the relatively small country local club on its fine achievement.
Woodend GC dates back to 1908, and is among the first 20 golf clubs formed in the state.
Hearnden and O’Brien said the club has had many achievements on and off the course over the last few years, despite the challenges of the pandemic and in more recent times, adverse weather.
The renowned hilly course presents plenty of challenges, and from 2020 onwards membership numbers have soared from 120 to around 260.
“We work hard to maintain our beautiful open spaces on Dja Dja Wurrung country for the benefit of our wider community, whether they be golfer or walker, or a bit of both or something else,” the president said.
The club’s leaders gave a special shout out to the committee, brilliant course superintendent Grant Davies, and many members and friends for making the club what it is.
They also praised major sponsors Bourkies Bakehouse, Choices Flooring Sunbury, Macedon Ranges Signs and Community Bank Trentham and Districts, plus many others, for their support.
Thanks also went to Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Greater Western Water and Mary-Anne Thomas MP for generous support.
Dalhousie District Golf Association was thanked for nominating Woodend, with DDGA president Mary Campbell elated at the club’s success.
Mt Macedon and Heathcote clubs were also commended by the Woodend representatives.
Why Woodend won
There were a host of positives in favour of Woodend being a strong contender for the state-wide award.
The huge membership boost, sound administration, securing sponsorships and pursuing grants has enabled the club to invest in the future through machinery, personnel and other capital investments.
Through determined lobbying, the shire council provided $680,000 for clubhouse renovations, and the club secured its water future by replacing four major pumps and renegotiating an agreement with Greater Western Water.
Woodend won three DDGA pennant finals and the DDGA four-person Ambrose, as well as hosting the inaugural DDGA junior tournament.
The clubs invites local schools to utilise the course, and offers new member promotions and packages for those in hardship.
The club has been featured internationally for efforts to ‘rewild’ the course.
Determined efforts have been made to increase female membership, with teaching pro. Jake Killen involved and complimentary memberships to those participating for the rest of the season.
The competition syllabus is more attractive to female members than in the past.
Woodend’s recently published Environment Membership Plan is publicly available for other DDGA clubs to understand how they can reduce maintenance costs and use of pesticides whilst impriving amenity for local flora and fauna.
Other clubs are invited to contact Woodend to learn about the positives that have occurred.
The club now has a very strong promotional tool for now and in the future by being Club of the Year.
Macedon Ranges mayor Cr Jennifer Anderson congratulates Woodend Golf Club on its notable achievement.
