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With its rich history and absolutely stunning setting, the Mooroopna Golf Course is an icon of the local region. Now celebrating 90 years since establishment, the course and club have undergone much change and gradual expansion throughout that time and of course, borne witness to many great games of golf. Continued on page 2 of feature
CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF MOOROOPNA GOLF COURSE… The Mooroopna Golf Course has undergone several changes in the last 90 years, with plenty of exciting additions and expansions still underway. Photo: Ash Beks.
Stephen, Jeff and the Bolitho Electrical team are proud to be associated with
Mooroopna Golf Club
Congratulations on your 90th Anniversary Servicing the Goulburn Valley since 1991
New home specialists • Commercial installations and maintenance General domestic • Energy saving solutions Jeff Vandermeer 0428 254 530 joffa22@bigpond.com 2/30 Midstar Cres, Kialla 5823 5123 Rec No. 10142 NECA Members
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90 years young and still growing
continued from front page THE Mooroopna Golf Course is near the Goulburn River and extends along Fairway Drive in Mooropna’s east and is bordered by McFarlane Road in the north. Th e g ro u n ds a n d g re e ns a re immaculately cared-for, with wellsculptured bunkers, verdant fairways, decorative garden areas, and the entire course speckled with enormous old Australian native trees. Playing through the course, golfers will note that the Mooroopna Golf Course provides a great balance between long testing holes with easily approachable greens, and shorter testing holes flanked by bunkers. There are many, excellently designed holes which reward golfers willing to take a risk. Overall, the course rewards brave, rather than cautious play. Fans of the course also have a lot to look forward to, with the course currently
undergoing an expansion. Three new holes will be added to the new space, allowing for future development. Renovations are nearing completion, with the club hoping to have the newly renovated course ready for spring and summer games. There are also future plans to implement a driving range. Not only great for casual players hoping to practice their swing or release some tension, the new range is simply something fans of the sport within the region desperately require. With the bar and bistro serving delicious meals overlooking the magnificent first hole, Mooroopna Golf Club is the perfect setting for relaxing or competing in a friendly match amongst friends. Other facilities include ATM machines, outdoor dining area, sports bar, secure car park and disabled access. Membership enquiries are welcome by phoning 5825 4135.
Not just golf! AS well as the magnificent golf course, Mooroopna Golf Club also boasts two beautiful bowling greens situated near the clubhouse facilities adjacent to the golf course. The first bowling green opened in 1966, with the second opening around 10 years later. RVBA pennant competition is conducted on Saturdays, while the VLBA pennant competition is played on Tuesdays. Both pennant competitions run from October to March. There is a
host of social and competition events staged for both sections. President of the Bowls Club, Ray Booth, said, “We pride ourselves as being a friendly and supportive club and always welcome new members.” “ We’ve recently upgraded our clubhouse and barbecue area, and we’d love to hold up to four tournaments a year here in the future.” Pennant practice and Social Bowls are on every Thursday.
UNBELIEVABOWL FUN… President of the Mooroopna Bowls Club, Ray Booth welcomes all members of the community to come and take part in the fun at the gorgeous greens. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
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Memberships Recently, the club decreased its membership pricing by approx. $100 to generate more mebers. Since lowering the price, the course has seen a drastic uptake in memberships, with total number up by 40 percent Category
Fee
Joining Fee
Full member
$498 (golf + bowls)
$10
15 years. Service & 65 + Y/O
$265 (golf + bowls)
N/A
65. Years Plus
$448 (golf + bowls)
$10
Country Residing over 50km away
$320
$10
Intermediate 1 18-23 years
$288
$10
Intermediate 2 24-29 years.
$408
$10
Junior Under 18 Y/O
$45
N/A
Winter Apr 1 –Sept 30
$280
$10
Summer Oct 1 – Mar 31
$280
$10
Bowling
$165
N/A
Social
$5
N/A
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Message from the Mooroopna Golf Club President
“Recently, there’s been a lot of action here at the Mooroopna Golf Course – it’s been pretty exciting. The course condition is at another level, and we’ve recently completed renovations on all the greens and fairways. We are also extremely enthusiastic about the new development, extending to the course and giving players three new holes. This should be finished by October. “We are also going to be putting in a driving range a little later in the year, offering golfers a complete experience. Everything is coalescing at once and this should also be finished around October; hopefully by spring this year, work on the course will be sprung. “It’s great to see lots of juniors and new faces coming through recently, with every element of the Mooroopna Golf Club coming together a treat.”
WATCHING THE CLUB GROW… Mooroopna Golf Club president, Tony Barca is enthusiastic about how the club has expanded, grown and developed and is very excited about the future ahead. Photo: Ash Beks.
Our history 1929: The original, nine-hole sand scrape golf course opened in Elizabeth St, Mooroopna. 1938: The first groundskeeper for the course, Bert Phillips, was appointed. 1949-1950: 140 acres of land purchased for expansion, including land between Elizabeth St and Fairway Dve. 1954: The new golf course clubhouse is placed on site. 1963: Mooroopna Golf Club’s liquor licence is obtained. 1964: Construction starts on changing from sand scrapes to grass greens. 1966: The full 18-hole golf greens are open for play. 1978: Tom Gibbons is appointed the first club professional. 1983: Water bore installed to support the development of the course.
1997: Second water bore installed. 2005-2009: Commencement of rebuilding all greens and couching all fairways. 2012: Club takes full ownership of the gaming entitlements 2013: Club purchases 75 acres on the east boundary for future development. Club Golf Pennant teams win both Division 1 & 2 in the GV Summer pennant 2015: 17th green rebuilt 2016: New Irragation system installed on new holes 2017: Fairways of new holes sprigged and 16th Green rebuilt 2018: Three new greens built on new holes. New Professional Darren Rodgers appointed and new bistro contractors appointed (Eagles & Birdies Bistro).
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EXPERT TRAINING… Owner and operator of the GV Golf Centre, Darren Rodgers is enthusiastic about getting the younger generation involved with golf. Photo: Ash Beks.
Good things
come in tees WHETHER you’re looking for a new set of clubs, or just want to freshen up your skills, GV Golf Centre has all your golfing needs covered. From lessons with a PGA professional to a range of products for purchase, GV Golf Centre is your one stop shop for golf. The shop is filled with loads of gear from all the big brands, with the expertise
of friendly staff there to help you make the right decision. With 25 years of coaching experience, head club professional and owner and operator of the golf shop, Darren Rodgers has a range of different lessons to suit all levels of golfing abilities. For lesson pricing and more information head to www.gvgolf.com.au or give them a call on 5825 2811.
This one’s for the
ladies
EVERY Wednesday at the Mooroopna Golf Club you’ll see ladies of all ages hitting the course for a bit of competitive fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a pro, all ladies are welcome and encouraged to get to the club and have a putt. Marg Jacobson has been a member at the club for over 50 years, during which she has seen the club develop and change quite drastically. “Ladies Day has been running for almost as long as the club has been opened. We have about 30 ladies out here every week which is lovely to see.” Marg said. “During the colder months we start at nine and aim to do 18 holes before lunch, then we head back out and do another nine. “It’s all just a bit of fun, and we’d love to see more ladies coming out for a swing.”
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EVERYONE WELCOME… From left, golfers, Bernie Nichols, Dawn Nioa, Helen Kiss and life member, Margaret Jacobson invite the whole community – male or female, young and old – to come and try their hand at the social and relaxing sport of golf. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
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GRAB A BITE BEFORE YOU PLAY… The Eagles & Birdies Bistro chefs, Rob Gessert and Lisa Marsden can serve you a delicious meal in the dining area overlooking the immaculate golf course. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
The
main course THE Eagles & Birdies Bistro is situated right at the first hole, overlooking the greens and fairways of the Mooroopna Golf Club. Chefs Rob Gessert and Lisa Marsden have created a new atmosphere at the club and a menu that will tempt your taste buds. Available for lunch and dinner, everyday except Monday, The Eagles
& Birdies Bistro and bar will help you unwind or prepare for that big match. The Mooroopna Golf Club also provides live entertainment every Saturday night, with a frequently changing line up of acts. There is a function room and catering available, with a separate sports bar serving delicious brew on tap.
Golfer profile,
Darren Rodgers MOOROOPNA Golf club are lucky to have a professional amongst their great team. Darren Rodgers is an expert, former PGA golfer. With several years experience in the field, Darren can provide expertise for people of all ages and skill sets. If it’s your first time on the golf course, or if you are an expert in the field, Darren can help. As a full PGA member since 1994, you know you’re in good hands. Darren wants to help guide the younger generation, encouraging all juniors to come out and try the fun that is golf. “We have loads of new equipment here for training, especially stuff that’s handy for training juniors,” Darren explained, “Our aim is to try and make learning golf as easy as possible by taking it off the course and starting with some basic and fun activities.” But it’s not all about the juniors, everyone is welcome to come down and try their hand at golf. For enquiries or to book a lesson with Darren, phone 0438 421 362.
PGA PROFESSIONAL LESSONS AND SERVICE… Get some lessons from PGA professional, Darren Rodgers, owner and operator of the GV Golf Centre in Mooroopna. Photo: Katelyn Morse.
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