It is with great honour that I write as the newly elected President of the Golf Society of Australia.
At the 41st 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