Golf Society of Australia

The September dinner was attended by 61 members and guests at Yarra Yarra Golf Club. The guest speaker was Darius Oliver who spoke about his experiences in travelling the world, looking at golf courses in readiness for writing his Planet Golf books. In 2003 Darius published his first book Australia's Finest Golf Courses, listing the 50 best courses in Australia. In 2008 his second book Planet Golf listed the greatest courses outside the USA. He is now finishing his third book Planet Golf USA which is to be launched next year.

Darius spoke on his travels through 40 countries, seeking out interesting and famous golf courses, visiting over 800 courses. Darius has amazing memory and instant recall of all the courses, and holes which he played, and can describe them in great detail. He has definite opinions of what makes a good hole, and a good course, and is not afraid to state his views on many of the world's famous courses. Darius gave a very interesting talk, and many people were pleased to purchase his latest book.

The President's Trophy was played on Monday 18 August over 10 holes of the Royal Melbourne East Course. Players were restricted to 7 clubs and 1950's rules were in force. Conditions were good, with heavy rain before hit-off, and during lunch, but only a brief shower during play. 19 Members participated.

After being close on several occasions previously, Jean Gilbert played consistently both morning and afternoon, defeating 2007 winner Norie Macleod in the final.

Qualifiers:
• Paul Burgess 37 net,
• Jean Gilbert 39 net,
• Norie Macleod 39 net,
• Huan Walker 41 net, on c/b from Max Findlay. (Net scores were 'rounded up')

After lunch, while catching up with the Olympics, the sudden death match play 'finals'.