The Rock Golf Club proudly celebrated its centenary on the weekend of 17-18 May 2014. The club is situated on a picturesque 18-hole sand green course nestled at the foot of Rock Hill just 25kms south of Wagga Wagga in the Riverina District. It was formed on 24th April 1914 and formally opened its golf club in “The Paddock” a month later by a group of enthusiastic locals interested in developing a golf course in their small country town.
A book titled ‘At the Foot of a Hill – The Rock Golf Club celebrating 100 years 1914-2014’ was created to mark the celebration and record its history. The club started with a short advertisement in their local paper:
“Golf
A meeting of those interested in the formation of a golf club will be held at the King’s Own Hotel, the Rock, tomorrow (Friday), 24/4/1914 at 4pm.
A.B.I. Walker
Secretary pro tem” (At the Foot of a Hill, page 10)
Chairman of the Centenary Committee Ian Weily acknowledged the hard work of the Centenary Committee Members Carol Magrath, John Jarick, Penny Stewart, Col Stewart and Lyn Blake as well as local historian Mr Ian Vennell.
Ian stated “I would like to congratulate all members of the golf club past and present for their dedication and hard work in keeping this club going for 100 years.”
He also thanked all those “who have contributed articles and photos ,etc. to this book…This is a very big milestone considering the club has survived through two world wars…This centenary has given us a great opportunity to record the history of the club for present and future generations.”
The Tier 1 golf club currently has 43 members and 11 associate members. It recorded 2,144 members through its doors from 1937-2014 with numbers peaking at 58 (1956) within a year.
The club is showing no signs of slowing down. A brand new kitchen was installed in February. The Friday morning VET competition has grown to become one of the Club’s most popular events during the summer months. The members look forward to attending the Vets Christmas Party and their new kitchen will add further benefits to help the club generate more social activities. A group of dedicated players make up their ROCKART Pennant team. Where able to they put their hand up to host events, such as the RLGA Sandgreen Championships and the 2013 KENO Mixed 4BBB District Final.
The Rock Golf Club has become an integral part of the local community, hosting not only golf events but has supported charities and other events such as the Pony State Championship, a Girl Guide Muster, and was the launching pad for hot air balloon enthusiasts for The Rock to Narromine campaign.
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The next club event, The Women's Rock Tournament, will be held on 13th August 2014 at Tootool Road, The Rock, NSW 2655. For more information contact colin.stewart2@bigpond.com.au at www.riverinalga.com.au