Sport
22 April, 2023
Cairns Golf Club hits 100 years of play and socialising
BETWEEEN them they have been members for 110 years contributing to the social and economic fabric of Cairns Golf Club.
Jennifer Spilsbury
In this special 100th year, Gail O’Shea and Kay Cleland will be among hundreds to celebrate how far the club has come.
“The golf club has been a big part of my life over the years and what I’ve really noticed is the people who have had support from the club when they’ve gone through all sorts of trials and tribulations in their life, the support for those people, you just notice that. Stay with the club and you get that,” Ms O’Shea said.
The first woman to be elected to the golf club board and former committee stalwart Ms O’Shea and multiple club champion Ms Cleland both joined the club 55 years ago in an age that was very different to what it is now.
Women and men’s competitions were run separately, the draws were done manually in time to be published in the local paper and the dress code was uncompromising.
Men and women became equal members more than 20 years ago, scoring is now done via an app and while dress standards are still in play, there are no more taps on the shoulder at the front door refusing entry if inappropriately attired and there’s not a ruler in sight to measure your mini-skirt.
A fierce competitor on the golf course Ms Cleland is also perhaps one of its biggest marketers. She loves the fact she can travel the country and walk into any club and enjoy a game with like-minded people – and sing the virtues of Cairns Golf Club, which started from humble beginnings.
A determined group staged three meetings at the Strand Hotel – which would later become the site of the city’s first highrise, the Pacific Hotel – from December 6, 1923, electing a committee and then striking a deal for nine holes to be paved on land fronting Pease Street at Edge Hill, the site of the current state school.
After two years the club moved to their current White Rock home due to members apparently enduring arduous conditions travelling to the course, incredible considering Edge Hill is now viewed as “close to the city”.
Centenary celebrations coordinator Jane Johannsen said a special lunch honouring 25+ year members would be held on Friday, May 5, at the club.
“All members and the public are invited,” Ms Johannsen said.
The lunch is one of three major events to be held throughout the year, including a family focussed event to honour past champions in August, while a premier cocktail party will be held in November.
For Ms Cleland and Ms O’Shea they’re looking forward to celebrating with past and present members including the club’s oldest living member, Mary Griffiths, who turns 96 in July and has been a member for 75 years.
For more details about the upcoming luncheon and to book a ticket phone 4037 6700.
