The Cooroy Tradition
In the early 20th century, golf in Australia was largely the domain of the affluent. Many clubs operated with high fees and an exclusive culture that often left visitors feeling unwelcome.
From its foundation, Cooroy Golf Club set out to be different. The founders were determined to create a club open to people from all walks of life, with modest nomination fees and affordable annual subscriptions. That philosophy has remained central to the club ever since, with green fees and memberships deliberately kept accessible for local residents, visitors, and tourists.
Low fees in the early years meant limited funds for course development. The financial report for the club’s first year (1934–1935) recorded total income of £110.19.5 and expenditure of £101.19.0, leaving a credit balance of £9.0.5. One curious note from this period records that the Club Secretary was authorised to purchase a monthly Casket Ticket, although it is unclear whether this had any impact on club finances.
With little money available, the development of the course relied heavily on volunteer labour. Foundation members such as Dr M. Outridge, Scott Murphy, Harry Spring, Mel Bonnel, and Garden Grant were determined to create the finest nine-hole course possible. Their commitment established a strong tradition of voluntary effort, with members contributing countless hours to clearing land, building infrastructure, and maintaining the course. This tradition of hands-on involvement continues today.
The collective effort fostered a strong sense of pride and camaraderie, which in turn led to another enduring tradition: hospitality. Visitors were welcomed warmly and often returned year after year, renewing friendships and enjoying the club’s relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Together, these traditions – accessibility, volunteer effort, and hospitality – have shaped the distinctive character of Cooroy Golf Club, a character that remains evident today in its friendly hinterland setting.
The Early Years
In 1934, the site of the golf course consisted of partially cleared grazing land with varied topography. A small group of local golfers shared a determination to establish a course of their own.
The first public meeting was held on 15 October 1934, attended by thirty-eight people. The club was formally established on a motion by Dr Free and R. Row. Dr M. Outridge was elected Foundation President, Dr Free Captain, Harry Spring Secretary, and F. Larkin Treasurer.
Fees were set at modest levels:
- Entrance fees: Members 10/6, Associates 5/0
- Annual subscriptions: Members £1/1/0, Associates 10/6
- Green fees: Members 2/0 per month, Associates 1/0 per month
By the end of the first year, the club had 18 Members, 17 Associates, and several non-playing members.
The initial course was designed by Dr Outridge and Scott Murphy, a visiting professional from Gympie. The layout was carved through dense undergrowth on Crown Lease land, leased for £8 per year for 15 years, along with an adjoining area known as Mac’s paddock, later donated to the club by Mr Ron Macdonald.
The first golf played was on a six-hole course with sand greens. Through donated time, equipment, and funds, nearly 25 acres were cleared, with fairways chipped and filled entirely by hand and with trucks lent by members.
A bank loan of £100, repayable over five years, enabled S. Sivyer to clear and stump the 1st and 9th fairways. The final large tree on the 1st fairway was removed using gelignite at first light, reportedly startling nearby residents.
E.J. Bonnell removed much of the bracken fern from cleared areas, while members including Larkin, Mitchell, Row, Bonnell, Krogh, Free, Spring, Daly, and Grant constructed the sand greens. These greens were fenced to protect them from grazing stock, which remained on the land until stock were formally banned in late 1936.
Two footbridges were built during the first year. Associates also contributed significantly, raising £30 and donating it to the club.
Playing conditions in the early years were challenging. A local rule recorded in the minutes stated:
“If ball hits log, stump or telephone post player may at his option replay stroke without penalty.”
Players marked their balls, and lost balls could be purchased back for three pence.
The original nine-hole sand-green course was officially opened during a carnival held over the King’s Birthday weekend on 27–29 June 1936. The opening ceremony took place at 1:00 pm on Monday 29 June, officiated by Mr M.H. Walker, MLA. The Victory Hotel provided the licence and refreshments for the event.
In July 1936, S. Sivyer was appointed full-time Greenkeeper at a wage of 30 shillings per week. By the end of 1937, expenditure on horses, a fairway mower, and further improvements resulted in an overdraft of £24.6.6.
In October 1937, the club resolved to purchase pine trees from Imbil Forestry, which were planted at the next working bee. A year later, a new local rule allowed players to lift and drop a ball if it rested in a hole large enough to fit a club without touching the sides. That same year, Associates were granted equal voting rights at Annual General Meetings.
Course development continued, and in 1939 the first three grass greens were established—at a time when some neighbouring clubs had yet to convert from sand greens.
During the Second World War, members who enlisted in the AIF were granted Honorary Membership, and green fees were waived for their wives. In 1942, the club began employing bag boys on Saturday afternoons.
Although the club struggled during the war years, a strong resurgence followed. From these modest and determined beginnings, Cooroy Golf Club gradually evolved into the club it is today.
