Industry news
WOLLONGONG GC CELEBRATES 120
YEARS AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S
OLDEST LINKS COURSES
O
n Friday December 17, 1897 when
Sydney Golf Club members Leonard
Dobbin, E.D. Hoben and Irving Kent
cycled to Wollongong with the materials
required to construct holes, flags and teeing
grounds next to a beach, they would have
been blown away by the scenic beauty of the
seaside location..
Today, almost 120 years later, a true links
style 18 hole course stands alongside the
beach.
The course layout has been changed a
few times over the years to make way for
developments such as a sewage treatment
plant, a seniors living facility, sports ground
and a new larger clubhouse. But today’s
course largely sits on the same beachfront
site.
Click on the video to watch it
Being such an historic and iconic golf
course the Wollongong club has attracted
international golfing greats such as Carnegie
Clark, Gene Sarazen, Jack Newton, Bobby
Locke, Gary Player and Peter Thompson. And
Steve Elkington was a member in the early
1980’s.
Wollongong Golf Club general manager
Leigh Hingston said the club had provided
a wonderful nursery for young local talent
who have gone on to win state and national
honours.
So it was fitting a celebratory anniversary
dinner in a marquee on the actual golf
course included club greats such as Lynne
Townsend and rising stars such as Thomas
Heaton.
Golf Industry Central I Summer 2017
9