Q Golf - Official online magazine for Golf Queensland Autumn 2012 | Page 8

Clowry Kennell Murgon’s unofficial ambassador Murgon resident and keen golfer Clowry Kennell typifies the enthusiasm for the Queensland Indigenous Championship to be held at his home course from March 16-18. Since moving to the region in 2007 in his job with the Department of Communities, Clowry and wife Elizabeth have almost become “unofficial” ambassadors for the Murgon Golf Club. “I’ve lived and worked around most states of Australia and always enjoyed a game of golf,’’ said Clowry. “I’ve seen a few golf clubs across Australia, but the Murgon mob are by far the friendliest I’ve ever experienced. “The friendships we made at the golf club were instrumental in our decision to settle and buy a house in the town. ‘ Clowry is one of those blokes who laughs a lot and doesn’t like to trumpet his musical ability. But he recently returned from performing at the Tamworth Country Music festival and last year released a CD single “Remember When”. The CD, which was launched at Murgon Golf Club, tells the story of the impact on Clowry and his family when eldest brother Henry was called-up and drafted to the Vietnam War in 1969. Henry, now an Anglican priest and the eldest of eight Kennell brothers, was guest of honour at the launch. “I was 10 years old at the time…it was a story that had to be told,’’ said Clowry. “There’s a lot of Vietnam vets around this area and I’m donating sales of the CD to them.” “When I arrived in Murgon I went out for a game but Elizabeth wasn’t a golf fan at the time. She reckoned she hated it, but I said ‘why not come out and caddie because it’s such a beautiful course’. “I got her to hit a few balls and she fell in love with the game.’’ “Our greenkeeper at the golf club, Rodney Scott, is a Vietnam vet and he’s got more stories than you could poke a stick at… “So many people do their best to keep the course in great shape. They’re all volunteers and everyone contributes. I honestly think Murgon has to be one of the best nine-hole courses in Australia.’’ A 20-handicapper, Clowry is also a singersongwriter who doesn’t take much prompting to pull out his guitar and entertain the locals. “I play and sing a bit and do most of the singing at the golf club…if they don’t like it they can go outside,’’ he laughed. Clowry has teed-up in the Indigenous Championship each year since moving to Murgon and has been practising for this year’s event. “ “ By Bernie Pramberg We’re all pretty excited about the championship and hopeful of having juniors participate for the first time this year. than my handicap says,’’ he laughed. “We’re all pretty excited about the championship and hopeful of having juniors participate for the first time this year.’’ Clowry said golf workshop/clinics had been held in Cherbourg, Wondai, Murgon and Mundubbera with Sunshine Coast-based professional Matt Victorsen a driving force. “Matt has done a great job. He worked really well with the indigenous kids at Cherbourg,’’ he said. “If we plant the seed it will grow.’’ Murgon Golf Club scheduled a nine-hole event for juniors on February 24 with 50 players aged between 12 and 18 expected to participate. “There’s no black and white at the golf club. The atmosphere is absolutely brilliant,’’ he said. “I reckon they’ll bury me there, right behind the eighth green…there’s a cemetery right there,’’ laughed Clowry. “I’ve been playing some good golf…better Queensland Indigenous Championships 16 – 20 March 2012 Murgon Golf Club Enter online at www.golfqueensland.org.au www.golfqueensland.org.au 8 Q Golf Online Autumn 2012 Entries close 2 March