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Golf SA is saddened at the news of the passing of Brian Martin, an enduring figure at the Berri Golf Club. You had only to meet and speak with Brian to sense the depth of passion he had for the game of golf and for his golf club.
Brian’s golfing achievements and the work that he did on committee underscores the essence of the individual.
Our sincere condolences to Brian’s family, to his friends at the Berri Golf Club and the wider community of the Riverland.
Brian Martin 6/9/1945 – 20/8/2018
He started his golfing career at Murray Bridge and his accomplishments are unprecedented.
– Murray Bridge Junior Champion 6 times 1961 – 1966
– Murray Bridge Club Champion 12 times between 1963 – 1978
– Lower MurrayChampion 1962
– MurrayBridgeFoursomes Championship 1967 1969
– Lower MurrayMixed Foursomes Championship 1964
– Grange Foursomes Championship 1969
– Lower MurrayOpen Champion – 6 Times 64 65 66 68 69 73
– South Australian Foursomes Championship 1965 69
– South Australian Country Champion 1967 68
– Upper SE Open Champion 1965 71 72 76
– Leading amateur West End Open 1966
– Pinnaroo Open Champion 1967 68 70 77
– Lameroo Open Champion 1967 68 71 74 76
– Represented Grange Golf Club in the SA Simpson Cup
– Won the Champion of Champions at Grange Golf Club
– Holds the Course record of 67 at Murray Bridge
Brian moved to the Riverland in 1978 continuing his success
– Berri Club Champion 13 times from 1980 – 2009
– Berri Foursomes Championship Five times 1978 79 87 89 92
– Berri Mixed Foursomes Championship Six Times with Wife Lenore
– Riverland Open Champion 3 times 1979 80 83
– Berri Open Champion 5 Times 1980 81 87 90 94
– Riverland Foursomes Championship 4 times 1983 86 89 92
– Loxton Open Champion 1981
– Riverland Close Champion 1987
– Riverland Mixed Foursomes Championship 4 Times 1992 93 94 2003
– Barmera open Champion 1979
– SA Country Golf Week Champion 2 times
– SA Foursomes Championship twice with brother Terry
– Member of the SA State squad
– SA Veterans Classic Champion 2002
– Brian has qualified in A Grade for the Berri Club Championship for over 30 consecutive years of which 19 he has been top qualifier.
– He has been Berri's No1 pennant player for 20 years and has been a member of the winning A Grade pennant team 18 times.
– He has had 3 holes in one and holds Berri's Course record of 70 jointly with John Wade.
Not only is Brian a Champion on the Golf Course, he is a Champion behind the scenes in the successful running of the Berri Golf Club. He has been on the Committee for 25 years holding the following portfolios
– President for four years
– Vice President for two years
– Secretary for two years
– Currently Treasurer for 12 years
– Course Committee chairman for 5 years
– Captain for 1 year
– Vice Captain for 1 year
– Members Registrar with the South Australian Golf Association for 20 Years.
Brians accounting and administrative experience and ability has enabled the Berri Golf Club to negotiate labour and machinery arrangements to the advantage of the club.
He has also played a major part in negotiations with the Berri Barmera Council in regards to an agreement which guarantees waste water supply to The Berri Golf Club. This has made our Club "drought proof" into the future, making it a true asset to the town and a benefit to Riverland tourism.
His experience and knowledge has been invaluable in steering the Berri Golf Club in the right direction over the past 40 years.
Brian's funeral is on Monday 27th at 2pm in the Catholic Church in Berri with the wake to be at the golf club afterwards.