Two Victorian golf clubs are in full swing after each has embraced changes that align them with the needs of their respective communities.
Northen Victoria’s Rutherglen Golf Club (RGC) has worked hard over the past two years and has doubled its membership during this time, including increasing junior players from two to 30.
While there are plans to upgrade the clubhouse, irrigation system and sandscape, the success comes from its focus on community engagement.
RGC president Frank Baring admitted things were not looking good two years ago.
However, with the help of Golf Australia, Baring initiated changes.
Rutherglen’s local rotary club began hosting packed-out community dinners at the clubhouse, and a beginners engagement program was set up.
Kristy Chandler, who has since become vice president of the RGC, took on the responsibility of MyGolf clinics and assisted the club in securing a grant. This resulted in the introduction of Australian Golf Foundation Girls Scholarships.
Ms Chandler then set the club up on social media.
The RGC shifted focus from competitive golf to social play, introducing two new programs – Fast Five, and Hits and Giggles. These programs were designed with fewer holes and more social time.
Tristan Zito and Chris Crabbe from Golf Australia were with the club all the way.
“I applaud the work that everyone has put in and I’m sure there will be many more great things to come at Rutherglen,” said Zito.
Similarly, Goonawarra Golf Club (GGC), which services Victoria’s Sunbury area as well as hosting golfers from further afield, has focused on becoming more inclusive.
Clare Anderson, the club’s Membership and Golf Programs Manager, is proud of what the club has accomplished to date.
GGC has stepped up its involvement in the local Sporting Schools program on behalf of Golf Australia, introducing the next generation of golfers to the sport through four-week programs.
The club also runs Get Into Golf and MyGolf programs, and hosts regular clinics for the Australian Golf Foundation Junior Girls Scholarship holders.
Anderson, who studied sports science (golf), runs All Abilities clinics each Friday for the club.
“We have golfers with mental and physical disabilities, in some cases both, come to the club, and the amount of improvement and difference in their way of life has been incredible to see,” she explained.
“Just 10 weeks in we’ve gone from some being completely non-verbal, now coming and saying hello to me and give me a high-five. Some who refused to get out of their wheelchair now up hitting golf balls and celebrating when they hole a putt.”
