About Us

Discussions and planning had begun in early 1981 after the idea of forming a society to research and preserve the history of golf in Australia was put forward by Dr Ken Shepherd. Several meetings took place, and a Constitution and objectives were drawn up, which have formed the basis of the Society’s activities.

These objectives are:

• establishment of a golf museum
• collection of golf memorabilia
• regular golf days
• dinners with guest speakers

The proposal to form a Museum was taken to the Australian Golf Union (AGU), the governing body of golf in Australia. AGU By-Law No 10, forming a Museum Committee, was then passed, the membership being the Committee of the newly formed Golf Society of Australia.

The objectives of the Museum Committee are:

• To collect or otherwise acquire any items of historical golfing nature
• To decide and determine the standard and quality of items relating to golf which are of a historical nature and eligible for display as museum pieces
• To categorise and arrange historical golf items as museum pieces
• To compile, publish, decipher and annotate any golfing literature, illustrations or photographs for the purpose of recording the history of golf
• To compile and amend from time to time a list of historical golfing national records

The relationship forged with the Australian Golf Union continues with Golf Australia, the organisation formed in 2006 following a merger with Women’s Golf Australia. The Society also has strong links with state golfing bodies. Contact details are available via the Golf Australia website.

It is with great honour that I write as the newly elected President of the Golf Society of Australia.

At the 41^st Annual General Meeting myself and Graeme Ryan retired from our respective roles as Honorary Secretary and President, having served the maximum six-year terms.

I thoroughly, enjoyed all aspects of my role from planning and running events, getting to know the members, making wonderful friends and contacts, and learning to play hickory golf. I would personally like to thank Graeme and the many committee members I worked with through the years.

On behalf of the Society and its members  I would like to congratulate Graeme on his Presidency; the Society has benefited from his initiatives and dedication to the role.

The Society has raised its International and National profiles and excitingly found a formal home at the Australian Golf Centre in Cheltenham Melbourne under Graeme’s leadership.

We wish him well and look forward to seeing him at events in the future .

Work on managing the collection has made great progress in recent years.

Updates to our policies and archival software systems and a formal commitment from Golf Australia  has allowed the engagement of a part time Curator who will assist us continue this important work.

As President, I will work with my Committee to ensure the Society’s vision to “Preserve share and celebrate the history of golf in Australia “ continues to be at the fore front of our planning and work, along with exploring ways to improve member benefits, event engagement, and communications.

About me, I am a long-time active member of the Metropolitan Golf Club and have served the club in several capacities. I also enjoy the course and camaraderie of the Portsea Golf Club. Alongside my contribution to the Society and I am an avid volunteer at the many golf tournaments held in Victoria.

We have a diverse and active membership so I must acknowledge and thank the many members who have volunteered their time on the Committee which has seen all aspects of the Society grow.

The future is bright, and I look forward to leading my enthusiastic and very capable Committee.

Kim Hastie 

A happy handover new President Kim Hastie with Graeme Ryan 

President: Miss KA (Kim) Hastie
Secretary: Mrs S (Stella) Cugley
Treasurer: Mrs DG (Grace) Rew

Patron: Mrs Anne Court AM

Committee:
Mr JW (John) Scheffer – Collections Committee
Mrs M (Morag) North – Dinners and Interviews
Mr GJ (Greg) Bain – “The Long Game ” Editor
Mr JA (John) Trevorrow – Collection Committee
Mr I J (Ian) Rowell – Collection Committee

Mr A (Aaron) Newnham – Events

Hickory Golf Co Ordinator:
Mr JA (John) Trevorrow

Golf Australia Nominee Mr DA (David) Greenhill

Strategic Plan – November 2017