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History

Half Moon Bay Golf Club might have a relatively short history as far as golf clubs go, but it’s a past rich with inspiring stories and colourful characters.

Half Moon Bay Golf Club was established in 1969, carved out of the thick coastal scrub in an area the council had designated for a sports reserve. The dedicated group of volunteers put in over 7000 hours that first year alone.

The first game of golf was played 30th May 1970, a nine hole 4BBB. The Clubhouse followed five years later, also thanks to a big volunteer effort. The course was later extended to 13 holes, then 15 and eventually our 18 hole course was opened 29th May 2000, 30 years to the day after that first game.

It was decided at the inaugural meeting that Members would all be full Members, and no distinction would ever be made between the sexes in the constitution. This was a major change from standard practice at the time, and paved the way for the friendly, inclusive atmosphere the Club is known for.

The First 50 Years...

Ray Howarth and Merv Watson entered into discussions with the Mulgrave Shire Council about developing 13ha bushland at Yorkeys Knob into a golf course. The land was designated as a recreational reserve.

Mid 1969

The first informal meeting of 50 golfers to assess community support and decide if the project was even viable.

14th September 1969

The first committee was formed. Brian Ledlie as Chairman, Gordon Weir as Treasurer and Von Kenny as Secretary. Committee members included Ray Howarth, Arthur Neilsen, Alan Schmid, John Pendrigh, Harry Hastie, Ian Evans, Fred Larfield, Lloyd Grigg and Harry Bandock.

24th September 1969

The first survey pegs were laid out on the course. Estimated expenditure for the first year was $6000, estimated revenue was $7500.

11th October 1969

After the tender process, Ray Howarth is granted a 35-year lease on the proviso that a golf course is developed.

January 1970

Architect Barney Lynn begins plans for a new clubhouse.

March 1970

The first game, a 9-hole 4BBB is played. There are no holes in the greens because the grass was not well enough established. Instead pegs and string were used. If a ball was within 2 feet of the peg it was deemed to have been a one-putt.

30th May 1970

The first Annual general meeting was held in the machinery shed /clubhouse. Harry Hastie was elected patron, Brian Ledlie as President and John Pendrigh as Captain. The fees for 1971 were set at Ordinary Members $20, Country Members $10, Social Members $10 and Juniors $5.