Parklands Golf Club (The 1st 25years Book)
1972
At a public meeting held on September 4th, 1972 in the Town Hall Supper Room the Parklands Golf Club was formed.
There were 26 people present. The meeting was chaired by Councilor Kevin Thomas who after a short report from Mr. D. Mitchell, head of the steering committee, called for nominations for office-bearers and committee.
1973
Victorian Golf Association affiliation was received in March 1973 and in April 1973 Parklands Golf Club became an official member of the Glenelg District Golf Association.
The course still 9 holes and with sand greens was rated at 65 with a length of 5340 yards.
1974
The Committee realised that if the Club was to grow it needed time, money, equipment and members. During 1974 the Club purchased and erected a 20 ft x 11 ft steel shed for the equipment storage, held its first Annual Open Tournament in July (28 players).
During April 1974, some ladies tried to get together for a game of golf, meetings were held and eventually competitions were arranged.
1975
The Club bought its first tractor, which was a 35 h.p. Massey Ferguson, for $400. As the Banks had refused to loan the Club the necessary finance, four Club members (Mr. I. Parsons, Mr. L. Hinchcliffe, Mr. J. Roberts, Mr. B. Shaw) loaned the Club $50 each
The Club decided to instigate a twilight Handicap Competition for which the Secretary and his family donated 2 silver cups as perpetual trophies – one for ladies and one for men.
1976 – 79
The Secretary organised ladies affiliation with the Victorian Ladies Golf Association. The Club was granted a further 3 year tenancy.
The Committee applied for a grant to assist with the erection of the new Clubhouse. The application was forwarded to Hamilton City Council – amount applied for $4000 for Clubhouse and $3500 for toilets.
The Club was advised that a $2000 Community Development Grant was available for the Clubhouse. Youth, Sport and Recreation Department advised the Committee that the Clubhouse plans be redrawn and expanded but it became apparent that the Club could not afford the expense of the building the Department wanted the Club to erect.
It was decided to expand the machinery shed temporarily to cater for increasing memberships.