100 2022 - 2023 Annual Report
02 OFFICE BEARERS AND COMMITTEE 26 FINANCE 04 CAPTAIN’S REPORT 30 WOMEN 08 CENTENARY FEATURE 31 MEMBERSHIP 16 COURSE 36 MATCH 22 HOUSE, EVENTS & HERITAGE 48 COMPETITION RESULTS
51 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 69 STATEMENT BY THE COMMITTEE 56 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 70 AUDIT REPORT 57 STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 72 FIVE YEAR SUMMARY 58 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 73 KOOYONGA FOUNDATION REPORT 59 NOTES OF THE ACCOUNTS
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Office Bearers and Committee OFFICE BEARERS MR CRAWFORD GILES, CAPTAIN DR WALFORD THYER, PRESIDENT MR JOHN FROGLEY, VICE-PRESIDENT Attended 12 out of 12 GC meetings Not required to attend Committee meetings Not required to attend Committee meetings GC (Chair), C&H (Chair) and all Committees LMN (Chair) LMN GENERAL COMMITTEE MR GEOFF BRENNAN MRS ZOEE DOLLING MR SCOTT DUVAL MR ROWAN FIELKE Attended 11 out of 12 GC meetings Attended 12 out of 12 GC meetings Attended 4 out of 4 GC meetings Attended 11 out of 12 GC meetings M (Chair), C&W (Chair), FARG W (Chair), FARG (Chair), ME, C&H C&W, M FARG, C&W MR MICHAEL GILROY MR SIMON TAMKE MRS JILL TRENORDEN Attended 12 out of 12 GC meetings Attended 8 out of 12 GC meetings Attended 8 out of 12 GC meetings HE&H (Chair), ME, C&W, C&H ME (Chair), FARG C&W, M, W, HE&H, C&H Retiring Committee members - Mr Geoff Kay attended 10 of 12 meetings, Mr Bevan O’Connor attended 10 of 12 meetings, David Fraterman attended 3 of 6 meetings GC - General Committee. FARG - Finance, Audit, Risk & Governance. ME - Membership. C&W - Course & Water. M - Match. HE&H - House, Events & Heritage. W - Women’s Sub Committee. LMN - Life Membership Nominations. C&H - Centenary & History Book Taskforce. - Page 2 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE 2022/23 Sub Committees / Task Forces FINANCE, AUDIT, RISK & GOVERNANCE WOMEN’S SUB COMMITTEE SUB COMMITTEE Zoee Dolling (Chair) Zoee Dolling (Chair) Crawford Giles (ex officio) Crawford Giles (ex officio) Jill Trenorden Simon Tamke Helen Berry (co-opted) Rowan Fielke General Manager Geoff Brennan Golf & Operations Manager Matthew Ormsby (co-opted) Melissa Emmett (co-opted) HOUSE, EVENTS & HERITAGE General Manager SUB COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP SUB COMMITTEE Michael Gilroy (Chair) Crawford Giles (ex officio) Simon Tamke (Chair) Jill Trenorden Crawford Giles (ex officio) Anne Brown (co-opted) Michael Gilroy Lynley Marshall (co-opted) Zoee Dolling General Manager Helen Berry (co-opted) Bar & Restaurant Manager Matthew Ormsby (co-opted) General Manager YOUNG MEMBERS TASKFORCE Membership Manager Rowan Fielke COURSE & WATER INFRASTRUCTURE Matthew Ormsby (co-opted) SUB COMMITTEE Isabelle Tye (co-opted) Golf & Operations Manager Geoff Brennan (Chair) Crawford Giles (ex officio) LIFE MEMBER NOMINATIONS Scott Duval Rowan Fielke Walford Thyer - President (Chair) Michael Gilroy John Frogley - Vice President Jill Trenorden Crawford Giles - Captain Christine Hildyard (co-opted) Bill Johnson - Club Historian General Manager Course Superintendent 100 YEAR CENTENARY & HISTORY BOOK TASKFORCE MATCH SUB COMMITTEE Crawford Giles (Chair) Geoff Brennan (Chair) Zoee Dolling Crawford Giles (ex officio) Michael Gilroy Scott Duval Jill Trenorden Jill Trenorden Helen Egar (co-opted) Melissa Nelligan (co-opted) Bill Johnson (co-opted) Rachel Fry (co-opted) General Manager General Manager Marketing & Communications Manager Golf & Operations Manager - Page 3 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Captain’s Report It is a pleasure to report to the membership in our Centenary Year, particularly after the recent week long celebrations held in March and the opening of our expanded Practice Facilities in May 2023. The celebrations in March culminated with the Gala Centenary Dinner on March 18 attended by over 680 members, guests, reciprocal guests and distinguished guests including Mr Gary Player, Mr Dominic Wall, The R&A Director-Asia Pacific and David Cherry, Past Chair Asia Pacific Golf Federation. Mr Player’s key note speech, was outstanding and well received Finch, 1991 The Open Champion as well as from Jack Nicklaus by all, and only over shadowed by his dancing with some of our and member David Lutterus, who is now based in the United members on his way to the rostram to ‘Staying Alive’. States. It was a pleasure to be presented a commemorative plate from I particularly thank Graeme Agars and The Masters Tournament The R&A by Mr Wall and to have him propose the official toast for providing footage of the press conference held at The to Kooyonga for our 100 years. Both Mr Wall and Mr Player Masters in April 2016 where Jack Nicklaus and Mr Player travel to many golf courses as part of business roles and both referenced their view of The Australian Open being the 5th spoke extremely highly of our facilities and in Mr Player’s case major in their era and in particular their battle at Kooyonga in of the standard of the course presentation and championship 1965 when Mr Player had his two 62’s. quality, even pointing out a few areas he thought were too The intimate evening with Mr Player held in the Centenary tough! Room on the Thursday night of the centenary celebration One of my enjoyable tasks on the night was to present both Mr week, was a lifetime highlight for those who attended. Ben Player and Mr Wall, a set of Kooyonga’s new Centenary Logo Hook did an amazing job presenting Mr Player’s career and cufflinks that will be provided to all male medal winners going enquiring about certain events before Mr Player took the stage forward in an update to the existing cufflinks. Both Mr Player and owned it for around 30 minutes. I have had a number of and Mr Wall left Kooyonga wearing these and I’m sure they will members who personally witnessed one or both of Mr Player’s take pride of place in their homes for many years to come. 62’s in 1965 tell me this was the best night of their lives and I am certain that all attended left with a memory they will never Kooyonga has hosted 5 Men’s and 1 Women’s Australian forget. Opens, 8 Australian Amateurs, countless other State Opens and Kooyonga was well supported by 18 of our reciprocal clubs Australian and State Amateur events and hosted multiple major attending the celebrations including 2 from overseas and we golf champions on our course. It was wonderful to receive a received a number of gifts from those clubs, all of which are on message of congratulations for our Centenary from Ian Baker display in the trophy cabinet to the left of reception. With the recent lack of travel due to COVID-19, this was an outstanding opportunity to rekindle relationships and a warm reminder of just how valuable and how lucky we are to have our wonderful suite of reciprocal clubs. Each and every one of the reciprocal representatives complimented me on the level of attention and service that they received from our Golf Shop staff and the friendly welcoming they received as well as the outstanding food and beverage quality and service during their visits. I commend our teams for the quality of service they provided during the Centenary celebrations week but also throughout the entire year. On the reciprocal front, Committee has received a number of requests from some amazing clubs and are progressing through assessing the requests and I expect some positive announcements to the membership in the coming months. - Page 4 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Captain’s Report We had arranged for Mr Player to attend Kooyonga for 3 days as The newly renovated practice facilities including the naming of part of our Centenary celebrations but such was his enthusiasm the Jim Mills Room, were opened on 9 May 2023, the day that that he attended for 5 days and thoroughly enjoyed every Kooyonga turned 100 years. Jim Mills was Kooyonga’s longest moment he had at Kooyonga and has kept in touch since. serving Assistant and Professional spanning over 49 years from 1927 to 1976. At the time of his retirement, Jim Mills was one of One of his passions is seeing juniors develop and fall in love only a few remaining club-making pros left in Australia. He was with the game and his first request on the Monday night when best known for being a golfer’s pro, was invested in coaching he arrived was for me to arrange a game with 3 of our juniors. young juniors and was one of the game’s best teachers in I arranged Jaime Hards, a 15 year old girl on a GA of approx 4, the State. It is fitting that the hub of practice at Kooyonga will Mia Luey, a 13 year old girl whose GA had dropped from 45 to now be named the Jim Mills Room and we look forward to the approx 18 in the past year, and Malachy Marshall, a 13 year old development of all members’ games through the use of these boy with a GA of around 3. facilities in the decades to come. You will read in the membership report that member rounds I accompanied Mr Player and the kids explaining to him the were down around 10% from the previous year as members changes to the course since he was last here and observing recommenced travel. Total rounds were at 49,150 and whilst him with these 3 juniors, giving them tips, talking to them about strong headway has been made towards our goal of 45,000 their dreams and aspirations, about work ethic and about diet rounds, there is still some work to be done and Committee and priorities. He spent almost 5 hours with these 3 juniors and remains committed to the reduction in Category 1 members whilst the girls didn’t have their best score, Malachy stood on to 450. Whilst the resolution put to last year’s Annual General the 18th tee square with the card and just missed his putt for Meeting did not achieve the required two thirds majority, the par on the final green. This was another example of Mr Players’ issue remains that Category 1 is being filled with active golfers energy and enthusiasm which he showed with his member only and that mix will need to be addressed over time in order to interactions during clinics, walking the course with members, minimise subscription fees for all members. during lunches and just generally chatting in the Clubhouse. Our Simpson Cup pennant team won its 35th Simpson Cup Of course, such significant events do not happen without a lot last year and all pennant teams are doing well this year, mid of work behind the scenes and I thank Brett Lewis and his team way through the season so there are strong hopes for some and in particular Amanda Sewell for her relentless efforts to more wins this year. Congratulations to Heath Riches, Geoff ensure that everything was organised to perfection during the Brennan and Freddie Cassell for being selected in the 2022 week. The guidance provided by the Centenary taskforce was State Pennant Team of the Year with Heath selected as Captain. invaluable and I would like to recongise Bill Johnson, Michael Kooyonga was also well represented at the 2022 Interstate Gilroy, Geoff Kay, Jill Trenorden, Zoee Dolling and Helen Egar Series with Matilda Miels and Kyle Hayter making the mixed for all of their efforts. I also thank Jude Marlow for giving up gender team consisting of 4 men and 4 women. Kooyonga also her week of golf to host Mr Player and ensure he was kept to had a number of players compete in the Australian Amateur his busy schedule. Jude did an amazing job and developed a held at St Michaels and NSW Golf Club in 2023 with Matilda wonderful rapport with Mr Player and his travelling partner Mr Miels finishing in a tie for 17th place. King. The 2023 Junior State Team included Imogen Jessen, Jaime One final comment on the Centenary celebrations week I will Hards, Josh Grundel and Do Kim, all performing with distinction. make refers to Richard James, Adam Fry and our entire Course Whilst we have had some turnover in our coaching ranks team. I had asked Richard to present the course for the week in in recent months with John Corbett pursuing coaching in tournament condition and each day with the wonderful weather other industries and Darcy Salamon taking up the role as the greens seemed to get progressively harder and faster Head Professional at Mt Osmond, the team we have of PGA and the course was a true test as well as being presented in Professional Peter Cooke, PGA Associates, Ben Layton and amazing condition. When I overlay that with the additional work Jordan Kane and also PGA Professional Susie Matthews, who that Richard’s team have accomplished in the last year with the will be returning to coaching next year on a part time basis, massive practice facility renovation, including the extension of provides a solid base for member coaching. We have embarked the teeing ground at the last minute to host the gala marquee, on a worldwide search for a Head Teaching Professional and the achievements are truly remarkable. I know I stand with are hoping to attract a generational coach who will embed all members in being so proud of our wonderful course and themselves in Kooyonga’s culture and facilities and drive facilities and I publicly acknowledge our course team for their improvement for members at all levels of the game, including efforts in delivering this wonderful product for our enjoyment. mentoring our high performance juniors and developing our Following a few recent delays I look forward to being able to coaches. release the Centenary History Book to members, along with Whilst on high performance golf I would like to congratulate the curated Centenary Display Cabinet later this year, in what I Club Champions Heath Riches and Matilda Miels, Junior Club am sure will be another exciting Centenary event with much to Champions Imogen Jessen and Joshua Grundel and Senior reminisce. Champion Ian McDowall. - Page 5 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Captain’s Report I take this opportunity to thank The Kooyonga Foundation As members will be aware the Centenary Logo has a for its generosity in recent years in donating the Cargie Rymill number of interations for when it is used in printed form and Rufus Stewart portraits by Tsering Hannaford and May’s or embroidered form and it often is used along side the Paddock artwork by Sam Leach to the Club. These artworks Kooyonga word logo, for example the Harry Black gates when have enhanced and warmed the clubhouse environment you enter the Club. Committee has resolved a subtle change immensely. The commissioned artists are both multiple times to the Centenary logo to allow it to continue indefinitely into Archibald Prize finalists and in Sam’s case a winner. Even the future with the 1923 and 2023 either side of the shield more so, The Kooyonga Foundation contributed $345K to being amended to Est. and 1923 to be either side of the the practice facility project in 2022/23 including the newly shield as detailed below and the ribbon at the bottom of the named Jim Mills Room within the Kooyonga Foundation Centenary logo will be removed. You will see this updated Golf Academy. This is in addition to the $475K contributed logo coming through on merchandise in the Golf Shop over by The Kooyonga Foundation to the construction of the the latter part of the year. Golf Academy in 2016. All contributions to The Kooyonga It is with great excitement that the Annual General Meeting Foundation are tax deductible and I encourage all members will provide the opportunity to vote on Life Membership to to consider a donation to the Foundation to help further be awarded to Mr WM (Bill) Johnson. Bill has been a member the historical aspects of the Club and to support the of Kooyonga, in his words “my one Club”, for 54 years and development of golf for juniors in particular but in the case of during that time has been a consistent supporter and giver the practice facilities, for all members. to Kooyonga. The Club has been the beneficiary of his time, The Centenary Logo which was struck some 12 months ago efforts, wisdom and skill as well as his camaraderie and as a reference back to the logo that was used on a “By-Laws friendship over those years. I look forward to the pleasure of and Etiquette of The Kooyonga Golf Club Incorporated” elaborating on Bill’s distinguished service at the AGM where booklet dating to around 1930 (pictured below). It has he will also be offered the opportunity to respond. been a huge success with members and visitors alike and management and the Committee have fielded many enquiries in recent times asking what is happening with the logo. I take this opportunity to thank the Committee for their hard work and support over the past 12 months and in most cases the last few years. There have been some challenges and certainly whilst COVID-19 has largely passed, rising interest rates have brought a change to the perspective on many things financial. I am grateful for the efforts of all the Committee for their diligence, understanding and skill to balance the desired outcomes from projects such as the practice facilities and Category 1 reductions with the financial implications. We remain confident of the cashflows and finances of the Club and will see the core Clubhouse/practice facility debt paid off by 2028/29. I thank Geoff Kay for his support and efforts as Vice Captain over the majority of my term and wish him good golfing in his retirement. Geoff has given much to Kooyonga over his 53 years of membership and two terms on Committee and was a great support to me. Zoee Dolling and Geoff Brennan as our incoming Captain and Vice Captain have worked together very well for the last few years and I am sure will ensure that the Club continues to move forward in a positive fashion under their leadership. Whilst it is positive to have our first female Captain, I am a strong supporter of Zoee more so due to her professional acumen, energy and desire to ensure Kooyonga continues to strive for excellence in everything we do. - Page 6 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Captain’s Report Simon Tamke is standing down after 2 years as a Committee I thank Brett for his support and counsel during the last few Elected member of Committee. Simon’s considered and years and wish him well into the future as I know Kooyonga balanced contribution to many items of discussion has been is all the better for having him with us. persuasive and very well received as well as delivered. I have I also thank members for their support throughout my enjoyed having Simon on Committee and do hope that when term as Captain and the Past Captains who have all been a his personal circumstances afford him more time he will offer wonderful source of wisdom and support during the past 2 himself for Committee service again. years. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to lead Our General Manager, Brett Lewis, has been a tireless this wonderful Club and I feel extremely confident in the servant of the Club for my entire time on Committee and Club’s future with the new Committee under the leadership certainly the last 4 years when I have worked with him on of Zoee and Geoff. an almost daily basis with the Clubhouse redevelopment, We are very lucky to call this place home and I wish you all COVID-19, Centenary Celebrations and practice facility good golfing and camaraderie as we enter the next 100 development. He has held our Club together and continued years of Kooyonga’s journey. to forge Kooyonga ahead during this time while delivering I thought it appropriate in this Centenary Year, to complete outstanding projects that we as members will enjoy for this report with a reflection on our objects and my closing decades to come. The focus on projects over recent years comments at the Gala Centenary Dinner (please refer has come at the expense of some of our staffing structures below): which is where Brett will invest his attention in the coming Crawford Giles year. Members would have already met Kylie Christie, our Captain new Head of Food & Beverage, responsible for all F&B in the Clubhouse, Jim Mills Room in the Training Academy and the Halfway Hut. Closing Comments From Crawford Giles at the Centenary Gala Dinner “Whilst things have changed at the Club over the past 100 years, and most notably in the last 15-20 years, as has society with the advent of the internet, the Club remains relevant and aspirational for golfers to enjoy and join. Our Strategic Plan provides the vision to be recognised as one of Australias’s premier golf clubs and a mission to provide members with an outstanding experience on a championship golf course while offering first class facilities and services. This builds on the objects of the Club in our constitution which include primarily to: • promote and ensure the continued excellence of the Club and the continued status of the Club’s golf course as one of Championship standing on a national basis; • to promote the game of golf and other sports; • provide excellent facilities for members enjoyment; and • involve young people in the Club. When I think of those Constitutional Objects the people in this room represent all of that; • I have no doubt we have a Championship course, prepared and maintained to world class standards; • We have arguably the best possible facilities of any club in the world with the restricted piece of land we have; • We have a culture of promoting the game of golf and all the values that it stands for amongst our members and friends from reciprocal clubs and the golfing community in Australia and around the world, and finally; • I think Mr Player saw on Tuesday that we are fostering many young people to fall in love with this game and grow to be better people.”
THE BEGINNING OF KOOYONGA GOLF CLUB A train strike in 1922 led Cargie Rymill to catch a tram west along Henley Beach Road where he saw a For Sale sign on May’s Paddock, the site of Kooyonga. His attention was drawn to a second site adjacent to May’s Paddock, Mellor’s Estate, which had quite a number of gums and is the land covering the 15th hole and west encompassing the 4th – 9th holes roughly. Cargie was excited by the terrain with its low lying swamps and undulating ridges of sand hills and thought it was perfect for a golf course and subsequently proposed to name the club Kooyonga, believing it was an Aboriginal word meaning “plenty water, plenty sand”. Cargie, having attended Prince Alfred College and having come from a prominent family had excellent connections in the business world in Adelaide and set about setting up a company, Kooyonga Estate Limited, to raise the funds to purchase the land.
May Terrace, Lockleys Est. 1923 Edward Leaver was appointed Chairman of the Company and along with 25 Foundation Life Members they raised the funds to purchase the land. The original 95 acre May’s Paddock cost $8000 Pounds and was registered in the Company’s name in 1922. He purchased the remainder of Mellor’s Estate, now called White Park, and subject to some residential subdivision around Willingale Avenue for $4351 Pounds for its 36 acres, triple the price of Mays Paddock per acre at $120 pounds per acre. Immediately ads were placed in the papers of the day for members with the adverts stating that the first 9 holes would be ready for play in April 1923 and the remaining 9 holes opening the following year. Within a few months, there were 34 Full Members, as well as 10 Women Members, 5 Junior Males , 1 Junior Female and 1 Country member from Lucindale. Full member subs were 5 pound and 5 shillings per year – approx $10 or $11. By 1925, 3 short years from Cargie spotting the land, there were 447 members and by 1926 the Company had transferred the land and all assets into the name of the Club and the Company was disbanded. The club had been funded partly by debentures from the Founding Life Members, but also from other smaller sum debentures from many members and an amount a bank debt with the course transferred for a total cost of $24,717 Pounds.
Cargie’s estimate for the cost of building As a mark of respect for Arthur’s dedication the first 9 holes was $1000 pounds with to Kooyonga over 35 years, a drinking the work being done by Cargie, a handful of fountain was installed near the 10th tee, labourers and 2 horses and by Arthur West. which remains in place today. According to The first was initially a par 3 and the second Club member Jenny Brown (nee Barratt) who a par 3, although combined in 1927 to form has been a member since 1944, the location a par 5, then followed by todays 13th, 12th, of the fountain was significant, as this is 11th, 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th holes. where Arthur regularly hung a canvas water Cargie was so consumed with establishing bag from a tree so that golfers could take a the new links that he sold his house at drink at the halfway mark. Kirkcaldy (near Henley Beach) and bought a Another critically important person in large house on the northern side of Henley Kooyonga’s history is our first Professional, Beach Road opposite the present-day 5th Rufus Stewart. green at Kooyonga, most likely because he Rufus quickly became obsessed with the never drove a car. game of golf and at aged 14 was caddy The Bent Grass greens we have today are master at RAGC, responsible for around 20 as a result of a trip by Cargie in late 1923 youngsters. At that time Cargie, who was in to England where he met with a leading charge of the course at Seaton at the time, agronomist. He explained our bore water was presented Rufus with his first 2 clubs of his killing the grass and he was recommended own. Creeping Bent Grass from Silloth in Scotland Rufus went on to play in his first Australian because it thrived under tidal waters near Open in 1910 and was appointed to the coast, and Cargie brought back 100 kilo’s Kooyonga in 1923 and moved into a house of putting green mixture. built on today’s 15th tee, which he occupied While there Cargie also played at St Andrews for his entire tenure at Kooyonga. He with the Oldest member of The R&A, Colonel played the ball back in his stance but was a William Morgan Playfair, who presented prodigious hitter of the ball and one shot at Cargie with the Playfair Putter that our men North Adelaide was once measured at 381 have been competing for over 36 holes each yards by steel tape, unbelievably. year for almost 100 years now. He was Runner Up in the Australian Open in Not long after Cargie arrived home from 1926, 1928 and 1929 and won the Open England with his precious seed mix and in 1927. He played in The Open at Royal St putter, Kooyonga celebrated the official Georges in 1928 as well as the US Open that opening of 18 holes on 18 June 1924. same year and again played in The Open in 1931. Central to the rapid build of the course was Rufus worked for Kooyonga for 25 years, Cargie’s recruitment of Arthur West from the resigning in 1948, when his apprentice of 20 Adelaide Golf Club, now Royal Adelaide Golf years, Jim Mills took over as professional and Club. served a total of 49 years at Kooyonga. Within 2 years or arriving, Arthur was These amazing men, and the men and considered so important that when Cargie women who joined Kooyonga as a result became aware that Arthur was looking to of the dream that was sold and then build a house at Seaton, Cargie helped him subsequently delivered, are the reason we negotiate the purchase of some property are all here today. at the rear of the 5th green and the club lent Arthur the funds for the purchase of the land and house build at 6% secured by his property at Seaton. Arthur served the Club for 35 years and is one of only 5 greenkeepers we have had in 100 years. Tragically, Arthur was killed when hit by a car alighting his tram on Henley Beach Road outside his home.
CENTENARY YEAR LAUNCH - SUMMER SOIREE, FRIDAY 10 FEBRUARY The Club celebrated the launch of our centenary year with a ‘Summer Soirée Twilight’ on Friday 10 February. The 150 guests who were in attendance dressed up in 1920’s golf apparel and outfits and to commemorate the start of Kooyonga in 1923, a raising of the centenary flag and a tree planting ceremony was held. The golf course was set up with the original 9 holes as one course and the final 9 as the 2nd course with hickory sticks on each hole for members to tee off with. The winners of the ‘original nine course’ were Andrew Gartrell, The late Mark Jeffreson, John Christensen and Kim Falster and the winners of the ‘final nine course’ were Helen Berry, Pip Oxenham, Melissa Emmett and Lynley Marshall. Following golf, members were treated to a Summer Soirée out the front of the golf shop and first tee with a selection of a 1920’s themed menu including roast suckling pig, pizza and paella for mains and ice cream and churros for dessert.
MR GARY PLAYER EVENTS 16 - 18 MARCH One of the biggest highlights of our centenary celebrations 16-18 March, was to have the honour of hosting Mr Gary Player during this time which proved to be a huge success and was a special experience for members who were able to spend time with, chat to or hear from one of the greatest golfers of all time. He spent 5 full days at Kooyonga hosting golf clinics, walking the course with members who paid to play with him and attending lunch and dinner functions as well as mingling with the membership in his ‘spare’ time. Mr Player is a delightful man who is full of knowledge, experience and charisma and we’re sure he is the envy of most given his stamina for an 87 year old man! We thank Mr Player for the time he spent here at Kooyonga and are so grateful to have had him join us in our Centenary celebrations. Kooyonga Foundation Dinner with Mr Gary Player The Kooyonga Foundation Dinner held on Thursday 16 March was a night to remember by all who attended. Members were treated to a key note speech by Mr Player including reminiscing his 2 Australian Open victories at Kooyonga in 1958 and 1965 and his pair of 62’s in the first and 3rd rounds of the 1965 Open, followed by a Q&A facilitated by Ben Hook. The night included a special 3 course menu provided by our talented hospitality team and those in attendance walked away with some special gifts including a set of Gary Player 62 signature engraved wine glasses and a Gary Player 62 signature hat. Clinics with Mr Gary Player We were fortunate to have Mr Gary Player host some golf clinics each morning during his stay which were complimentary for members to attend. Unfortunately Mr Player had damaged his hand in an accident prior to his arrival which required surgery and prevented him playing golf while at Kooyonga. However, he didn’t let this impact his ability to host these golf clincis and share some of his personal tips and advice on how members can improve their game. Even with his mostly immobilised hand, Mr Player didn’t disappoint with those in attendance soaking up the knowledge he shared and were clearly captivated by his enthusiasm and passion for the game.
CENTENARY GALA, SATURDAY 18 MARCH The weekend celebrations were topped off with our Centenary Gala Dinner with 680 guests including members and partners, reciprocal friends and special VIP guests in attendance. This was a spectacular event which will certainly be a night to remember for a long time to come. Event management and catering was provided by Out in the Paddock and we cannot thank Ray Dahdah and his team enough for such exceptional service, especially in regards to the presentation and delivery of food. The evening’s entertainment began with live music at the pre dinner drinks with vocals and keyboard by Pina & Co Music. Later in the evening guests were treated to a surprise live music set by The Angels (Kooyonga member John Brewster-Jones), and then danced the night away with live music by The Flaming Sambucus. The evening was emceed by the gracious and very entertaining Kerri-Anne Kennerley and included an entertaining and insightful speech by our special guest, Mr Gary Player. We were fortunate to have Mr Dominic Wall, Director (Asia Pacific) of The R&A propose the formal toast to Kooyonga and present our Captain, Crawford Giles, with a special gift to commemorate our Centenary milestone. The evening also included a gift presented to the members by The Kooyonga Foundation; a painting by Tsering Hannaford of Rufus Stewart, our first Golf Professional. Guests were also presented with a very special commemorative video highlighting key events held throughout our one hundred years and capturing the true essence of membership at Kooyonga. We would like to thank Stuart Kerr who created the video and invite members to watch it by clicking the following link. Please click here to view
In addition to those mentioned, we would also like to thank AJ Sound for providing the AV requirements for the evening, David Brand and Stuart Kerr for photography and videography over the three days, White Marquee for providing infrastructure and event hire, 360 Spin Adelaide for the photo booth and the donors to the Kooyonga Raffle; Phil Hoffman Travel, Dominic Wall from The R&A, James Thredgold Jeweller, Dream Diamonds (Adrian Zamel), Callaway, Specialist Air Management, Michael Gilroy and Crawford Giles. The Centenary celebrations could not have come together without the organisation and planning by the History & Centenary Taskforce and the tireless efforts of all Kooyonga staff from each department; Administration, Course, Golf Shop and Hospitality. Lastly, we thank members who came together to celebrate such a milestone event. While Kooyonga is known for its championship golf course and world-class facilities, the members are the ones who bring together the camaraderie, friendship and culture of which we should all feel very proud to be a part of. Congratulations to Kooyonga Golf Club on turning 100 years in 2023.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Course The last 12 months has been an extremely busy period for our course staff with a significant proportion of our full-time labour invested into construction works associated with the practice facility project. It is a testament to the commitment of Richard James and our course staff that we were able to continue to present the course to a very high standard for member play during this period. We regularly receive high praise from visitors about our green, before sand was imported to provide a new growing course conditioning and this will continue to be a key area medium profile that was shaped into the new chipping green. of focus over the next 12 months as we place a greater The turf for the green surface was harvested from the 6th emphasis on daily presentation and maintenance of the nursery, which was laid following a 21 day fumigation period. course as opposed to major projects. 1120m2 of chipping area surrounding the green were As mentioned in my opening statement, our course staff sodded with Santa ana couch following final shaping and have completed a number of projects over the last 12 the installation of irrigation and drainage requirements, months, many of which I have highlighted below for member including main drainage lines from the academy pavilion that information. exits into a soakage on the 1st carry. Practice bunkers were Turf Nurseries constructed with drainage connected into the main drain Following expansion of the 6th tee bentgrass nursery in system, along with subsurface drainage from the approach early 2022, we constructed a new, 1,200m2 bentgrass area and upgrades to the drainage off the roadway and new nursery along the western boundary adjacent to the 5th cart parking area. Two new and slightly realigned practice nets hole to provide us with a total nursery turf capacity of were installed, with a rubber access path leading to the nets 2,850m2. With an average green’s replacement requiring from the roadway. 800-1,000m2 of turf, this equates to enough turf for two full greens plus an additional buffer of 850m2, which is a valuable resource to use in undertaking weed control activities (poa and couch encroachment control) on the greens and collars. An area has been set aside for a couch grass nursery to the south of the 6th bentgrass nursery left of the 6th tee. Once established in spring 2023, the nursery will supply small amounts of turf for minor course repairs as required, which are often taken from the 19th hole, a practice Committee would like to avoid in future. Practice Chipping Green The new 900m2 chipping green and collar was constructed in late 2022 and established very well, coming into play in March 2023 following the Centenary celebrations weekend. Following the removal of the turf and thatch from the old green, the subsoil was reshaped into the base of the new - Page 16 -
Putting Green COURSE MAINTENANCE The creation of the new putting green was a lengthy project, which began with the removal of the Plane trees and mounding $56.5k along the carpark prior to civil works getting underway on the practice facility project by Partek Constructions in August 2022. Course maintenance Once access was made available by Partek during construction cost per hectare of of the academy and pavilion, we began the staged stockpiling maintained turf and spreading of Tailem Bend sand in the area that has become the new practice putting green. Following completion of the civil 11% INCREASE ON $50.5K IN 2021/22 construction works, importation of 1,180 tonnes of sand was completed, with amendments added before being shaped into a IRRIGATION 1,700m2 putting green in early 2023. Sodding of the new green was completed by exhausting our 181mL nursery supplies from the expanded 6th nursery along with Irrigation used on course new turf established on the 5th nursery. To complete the green, 200m2 of turf harvested from the previous academy putting COMPARED TO 206ML IN 2022/23 green and regrown on the new 5th nursery was reused. Plant protectant products and fertilisers were applied in the lead up RAINFALL to the official opening of the green on 9 May 2023 following 12 weeks of establishment. 472mm Practice Tee & Fairway Rainfall recorded during A 1,500m2 Santa ana turf practice tee was completed in the the year early stages of the building project, with a temporary artificial hitting mat installed to enable member practice to continue. INCREASE FROM 386MM IN New irrigation infrastructure was installed into the teeing 2021/22 ground, with smaller, block installations used to enable more specific treatment of isolated areas to aid in divot and wear LABOUR - SPECIAL PROJECTS recovery of the practice areas. Levelling and turf replacement of a further 3,000m2 was 5,250 hrs undertaken during January 2023 to create an area that could accommodate the marquee for the Centenary celebrations, Greenkeeper working hours to along with the benefit of dramatically upgrading the turf quality complete special projects and presentation of the first 100 metres of the practice range. in 2022/23 The first target green was removed as a part of these works, which was necessary as its placement was inappropriate given EQUIVALENT TO 17.2% OF THE TOTAL OF 30,500 the forward movement of the new practice tee. WORKING HOURS FOR THE YEAR THE NEW PRACTICE PUTTING GREEN STIMP SPEED 12”2 Average stimpmeter reading on Saturdays 12” AVERAGE ON ALL OTHER DAYS - Page 17 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Course Practice Tee & Fairway (continued) Short Game Area Once access along the front of the new canopy was The completion of the Short Game Area was able to possible, irrigation installation was completed, levels occur with the completion of the new carpark, with a final established and turf laid, completing the transition from connection of the path from the carpark to the short game artificial to turf playing surface. We are seeing the impact of area. The stormwater drainage system for the short game shade from the canopy in the first few metres of turf on the area carpark involved the installation of a similar soakage south side of the canopy, so the area is being oversewn with system to that installed in the 1st carry, with the pit placed fescue in the coming months, as it is more shade tolerant. in the trees adjacent to the carpark. We are working through The installation of the lighting for the range saw us the landscape work along either side of the carpark, which working alongside the electrical contractors to facilitate is scheduled for completion in upcoming course works the installation of cable to power the lights as well as the programs. footings for the light poles. As we were trenching, conduits Vegetation Plan Works for communications and security for the short game area The majority of vegetation works on course over the last 12 and carpark were installed, along with provisions for future months have centred around the practice facility works, with range accessories. numerous areas receiving attention as a part of this. This has Soil material stockpiled at the southern end of the driving included: range was shaped into a mound at the base of the newly • An expansive area surrounding the Short Game Area, installed safety net to effectively catch golf balls, with turf harvested during the practice tee expansion used on including plantings around the rear of the second tee this mounding to establish a turf surface following the along the Sir Donald Bradman drive boundary fence to installation of a new irrigation supply. provide an effective screen. SHORT GAME AREA COMPLETE
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Course • A large mound along the length of the short game fairway Greens Replacement Programme screening the primary school oval is being established, After placing the greens replacement programme on planted with a wide range of native shrubs and trees. hold from 2021-2023 due to plans to host the Women’s Australian Open in 2021 and 2022 and the decision not to • Establishment of a large number of trees and shrubs undertake major course works during the Centenary Year, we planted along the new access path to the short game have been trialling PoaCure to control and remove Poa annua area carpark. Future plantings as noted are to take place from greens with moderate success. along the new carpark to screen from May Terrace and Having now completed the practice facility upgrade and the primary school oval. various other projects on course, Committee is considering which green to prioritise for replacement in early to mid 2024. • Planting of additional screening trees and shrubs around Once a decision is made, any proposed changes to the green, the new chipping green and practice nets. bunkers or surrounds will be displayed on the notice boards for member information. • Promotion of trees and native vegetation between the Renovations short game area and the 1st fairway. Our annual course renovations were once again carried out in October 2022. Greens were hollow tyne cored with 5/8” • New screening mounds complete with screening shrubs tynes to depths between 50 and 70mm depending on the and native vegetation around the on course toilet block age of the soil profile, with soil drenches of plant protectant to effectively screen the building from both the golf products applied and topdressing sand blended with a course and Strathmore Ave. An effective method is also combination of humates, gypsum and a pH adjustments being investigated to control reed growth in and around swept in to the core holes following clean up. Multiple the water in this area. fertiliser products followed to supply nutrients based on soil test results to stimulate recovery. The Clubhouse and Carpark areas have seen some work Fairways were scarified to an average depth of 22mm, slightly in conjunction with the practice facility upgrade, with the shallower than the past couple of years. Verti mowing to following works of note completed in this area: a depth of -5mm to remove grain and refine the playing • New hedging plantings as a separation between the new surface was carried out following scarifying, with the clean- up process including 2 x circle cuts and debris blowing. putting green and the carpark. A Murraya paniculata Fairways 6, 10 and 12 were only verti mown, as they remained hedge has been planted along this area, which will be slightly leaner and were deemed to not require the deeper promoted to a height of 1.2-1.5m once developed. scarification, and the tee end of the 4th fairway and the green • Murraya paniculata was once again selected for planting end of the 8th fairway had no treatment at all, being the two along the length of the May Tce boundary, complimenting leanest areas on course. the new brush fence along this area. We will be The 5th fairway, however, was treated quite aggressively to maintaining this hedge at a similar height to effectively negate ongoing issues with thatch on this fairway leading to screen the services along the fenceline. constant scalping and an inferior playing surface. Scarifying • New plantings of Lilly Pilly have been made to re- deeply in 3 directions, followed by verti mowing and circle establish the hedging around the Harry Black entrance cutting removed a significant amount of thatch and plant gate removed during the carpark works. material, which led to less issues with scalping throughout the • Additional Westringa smokey hedging is in the process summer months. of being planted and established along the member and All fairways were top dressed with sand, with 200 tonnes visitor entrance paths, with these works and other similar used over the course to smooth surfaces and aid in further plantings to be undertaken in the carpark in the coming thatch dilution. Selected heavier areas of fairways had months. Gypsum applied to improve soil structure, with 30 tonne Along with the above-mentioned vegetation works, we have in total spread. Fairways were treated with a tank mix of continued with many areas of vegetation maintenance insecticides and wetting agent, with an application of through the year, with resources as they were available controlled release nitrogen blend to stimulate the recovery put towards weed control and promotion of many areas process. of vegetation around the course, rather than looking to undertake any new, large projects. This will be a continuing focus for the coming year as we look to put additional labour into these areas to progress and improve upon existing areas. - Page 19 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Course Renovations (continued) through November, which reduced supplemental irrigation As I write this report, Committee are considering the future requirements substantially. acquisition of a DryJect machine that would avoid the need We have been without Bore 10 for the last few months of to core the greens on an annual basis, removing downtime summer this year, after finding significant wear through the and reducing resource requirements during annual pump, necessitating its replacement with a new unit and renovations. One of our reciprocal clubs in Lake Karrinyup electric motor. This pump had been in place and producing purchased a DryJect machine last year and speak highly of water uninterrupted since the well was drilled in 2009, its benefits. The machine uses a high-speed, water-based which is a good period of service. injection system to blast aeration holes through the root There was also a major failure in a seal of one of the main zone to fracture the soil. The patented vacuum technology irrigation pumps during late summer, which has seen us simultaneously fills holes to the surface with high volumes replace this pump. of sand or other amendments to improve the soil. This Maintenance Facility helps relieve compaction, increases water infiltration, Plans continue to progress in regards to adding some reaches the root zone with oxygen and amends soil with additional shedding space for machinery storage as a part high volumes of material. Further investigations will be of a staged upgrade to the Maintenance Facility, which undertaken by Course Superintendent Richard James will also offer improvements to operational efficiency in before any recommendation is considered by Committee. and around the sheds. These expansions are fully funded Storm Damage in the 10 year cashflow model used by management and We once again have experienced the loss of some large Committee. trees due to storm damage through the year, including Following the acquisition of a demountable building in two large Tamarix aphylla, or Athel Pines to the left side of 2022 to house offices and meeting space to facilitate the 5th green and another large Athel Pine from the right course maintenance activities, we have taken the side of the 19th tee. Whilst these trees have been in this opportunity to incorporate the old office space within the location (and other locations on course) for a long period, maintenance shed into an expanded lunch room, with a they are not a desired species of tree for us to maintain, as new, larger, well-appointed kitchen being installed as I write the Athel pine is defined as a weed of national significance. this report for improved staff amenity. With a new space Following the removal of the trees, replacement planting created for the kitchen, the knock on has been additional with Pinus pinea (Stone Pine) were undertaken in both floor space created in the seating area, increasing comfort locations, which when developed will provide a good upper levels and overall seating capacity, which was lacking with canopy screen. the previous configuration. Another major loss was a large Aleppo Pine, (Pinus halapensis) at the rear of the 6th green, which lost a large limb during a storm event that damaged its structural integrity, rendered it dangerous and requiring removal. A replacement of this prominent tree took place, with a Eucalyptus camaldulensis planted, which is a perfect fit to match the other existing and remnant trees in the local area. Irrigation The 2022/23 year is progressing towards a close, where we are projecting a use of 171mL of our 229mL water allocation to the end of June, compared to 211mL in 2021/22, and 223mL in 2020/21. The lower water use figure this year has primarily been aided by strong rainfall months in the early irrigation season months of August - Page 20 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Course Staff Qualified greenkeeper, Lachlan McClaren completed a 6 We are extremely fortunate to employ a team of dedicated month seasonal placement at St Andrews to coincide with course staff and I take this opportunity on behalf of the Open event won by Cameron Smith in July 2022. Lachlan Committee and members to acknowledge Richard, Adam gained valuable experience pre and post the tournament and the entire team for their wonderful efforts during an and pleasingly returned to Adelaide in November 2022 to extremely busy period on course. continue his full-time employment at Kooyonga. Unfortunately, we have recently been impacted by the loss Our ability to attract qualified green keeping staff to fill of two of our Turf Management trainee’s, Will Stratford vacant full-time positions remains an ongoing challenge for and Oscar Harrison following the successful completion of Kooyonga as well as the golf industry. This has required us to their 3 year training contracts late in 2022. Both decided focus on employing trainees and unqualified staff to develop to progress their career’s by undertaking a Turf Internship from within. through the Ohio State University in the USA. After finishing I take this opportunity to thank my fellow Course Committee employment with Kooyonga in March 2023 and following for their valued assistance and contributions to decision an initial orientation at the university, they began their making over the last 12 months. placements; Will taking up a position at Muirfield Village Golf Geoff Brennan Club in Ohio and Oscar beginning his placement at Merion Chair – Course & Water Infrastructure Committee Golf Club in Pennsylvania. During their 12 month stay in the USA, they will work at multiple courses and be on staff for PGA tournaments, gaining a wide range of experience that will be beneficial in their future career’s, which perhaps may even see them return to Kooyonga one day. COURSE STAFF WITH MR GARY PLAYER DURING THE CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS WEEKEND - Page 21 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE House, Events & Heritage After two challenging years for the House Committee as we battled through COVID-19 restrictions and impacts to our clubhouse operations, the last 12 months has seen a steady return of third-party functions and events to support our day- to-day members’ hospitality operations. The return of trading activity was pleasing although it to the quality of food offerings. We are very fortunate to brought a new challenge to attract and retain bar and employ a great team and all members should be proud of function staff to support the growth, which has been bringing their family and friends to dine at the Club. a widespread issue experienced across the hospitality The focus of the House, Events & Heritage Committee industry. As mentioned in last year’s report, following the this year has been to support the Centenary Taskforce on resignation of David Boggan as Clubhouse Operations the Centenary celebrations, ensuring all events have run Manager in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions, we smoothly and the clubhouse and surrounds have been restructured the hospitality management team which presented to a high standard. resulted in Natali Calvo taking on the role of Function The Captain has reported on the Centenary celebrations Manager and sisters, Di Paul and Tania Favaro accepting in detail, so I will not elaborate in my report other than joint full-time positions of Members Bar & Restaurant to acknowledge the significant efforts of the Centenary Manager. Peter Gordan remained as Assistant Clubhouse Taskforce and management team to deliver a spectacular Operations Manager and General Manager, Brett Lewis took Centenary Gala event that will live in the memories of those a more active role in overseeing the hospitality operations. present for their lifetime. As House Chair, I was extremely We operated in this manner throughout the 2022/23 year, proud of the contributions of our Committee, hosts and however with turnover returning to pre-COVID levels and staff who provided our members, partners and reciprocal ongoing challenges with the recruitment and training of guests a wonderful weekend of golf and hospitality that far staff, it has recently been decided to return to the historical exceeded their expectations. structure. Members would have met new Food and Beverage The Centenary opening twilight and soiree event was Manager, Kylie Christie, who will be responsible for the day to a fabulous way to launch the Centenary year and the day running of all clubhouse, golf academy and on-course Foundation Dinner with Mr Gary Player was one of the best hospitality service at the Club who commenced in early June events ever held at the Club according to a number of 2023. members who have attended a lifetime of social events. I want to thank Nat, Peter, Di & Tania as well as the entire The remainder of the 2022/23 social calendar included a hospitality team for continuing to provide high quality number of regular events including Medallist Dinner, service to members in the bar, restaurant and member RS Thomson Golf & Dinner Event, Melbourne Cup Lunch, functions over the last 12 months. Despite the challenges Christmas Twilight, Women’s Christmas Lunch, of staffing at times, I can assure you that the team remained Family Fun Day and the President’s Team v’s Captain’s team fully committed to our service principles and went above lunch and golf event. and beyond in difficult circumstances to exceed member expectations. Zac Ronayne and our kitchen team continue to deliver a wonderful food experience at Kooyonga, on par with the best hospitality venues in Adelaide. I can’t thank Zac, Yanni and the entire kitchen team enough for their commitment - Page 22 -
One special event held in October 2022 was the inaugural FOOD & BEVERAGE REVENUE 50 year member lunch where all members with 50+ years of service were presented a 50 year lapel pin with the centenary $2.093M logo to wear with pride. This will now be an annual event to be held on or around 9 May each year to coincide with the Food & beverage official opening day of the Club in 1923. A second function revenue in 2022/23 was run prior to the opening of the practice facilities on 9 May 2023 where a number of members were inducted into AN INCREASE OF 7% COMPARED TO the 50 Year Club and provided their lapel pins, including Neil 2021/22 RELATED TO GROWTH IN Crafter, Quentin Gower and Sally Kirby. We congratulate these FUNCTION ACTIVITY members as well as Ivan Hutchin, Chris Loan, Gary Kingshott, Gay Illingworth, Lin Pearlman, Mike Schulze, Craig Mason and FOOD & BEVERAGE ORDERS Bernie Kavanagh who each celebrated the milestone of 50 years of Club membership over the last 12 months. 124,160 Food & beverage items sold Pictured above: Crawford Giles presenting Sally Kirby with her (bar, hut, a la carte) 50 year member badge (and inset the 50 year badge) A DECREASE OF 6% COMPARED TO We ran a series of intimate social events in the HL Rymill 2021/22 (RELATES TO 6% DECREASE IN Room in 2022 including a Torbreck Wine Lunch, Truffle TOTAL ROUNDS PLAYED) Lunch and Champagne Lunch which were well supported and received wonderful feedback from those attending. We AVERAGE SPEND will continue to offer a variety of different events in the year ahead to appeal to different segments of the membership $24.85 and increase utilization of the clubhouse and hospitality services. Our social functions really are a great way to build Average spend in camaraderie and spirit within the Club and I do encourage Member’s Bar per members to get involved and get to know other members in a round of golf social environment. Apart from the House Committee’s role with social activities, 6% INCREASE COMPARED TO 2021/22 we have actively supported the most recent building project with Partek, which included the construction of the new on- GUEST ATTENDANCE course toilet facility at the 5th tee and extension of the Golf Academy to include the Jim Mills Room including a café/bar 11,830 facility. The House Committee is working with management on the Guests attended 260 operational plan for this F&B facility that will rolled out in mid- events at Kooyonga 2023 now that the lights are fully operational and we have collected initial data on use of the facility at night to assess 22% INCREASE COMPARED TO 9,666 GUESTS staffing requirements. ATTENDING 194 EVENTS IN 2021/22 FUNCTION REVENUE 41.7% of total food & beverage revenue was from function activity COMPARED TO 37.5% IN 2021/22 - Page 23 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE House, Events & Heritage It has been pleasing to see 10-15 members on a nightly basis including replacement of verandah columns that are rusted using the new facilities after hours. We are confident this and repainting of the hut will be completed mid-year. usage will continue to build and will be enhanced once we Unfortunately, work has stalled on curating the Centenary open the bar facility and a PGA coach remains on site to offer Display Case in the members corridor while the focus was on lessons after hours. We also intend to offer “beer and bucket the Centenary Gala dinner and history book. This display is specials” and other promotional activities to attract usage on planned to be completed before the close of our Centenary certain nights, for example when an AFL match is scheduled year. As previously advised, the display case will showcase on a Thursday night. special achievements and key events from the Club’s 100 With the practice facility project now complete, we will focus years of history. greater attention on developing a detailed maintenance plan I wish to sincerely thank the Kooyonga Foundation and the to ensure the clubhouse building, surrounds and all plant and generous group of members who contributed to the Works of equipment within it can be maintained to a high standard for Art & Heritage Project to help fund the Rufus Stewart portrait many years to come. In recent months more resources have that was commissioned to commemorate the Centenary been allocated to improve the landscaping and vegetation and has been proudly hung above the fireplace in the plantings throughout the carpark that includes the planting Members’ Lounge. The portrait is a wonderful addition to the of hedging in various locations. This work will be ongoing clubhouse, proudly recognising Rufus Stewart as the Club’s throughout 2023. first Professional from 1923 to 1948. He won the Men’s The House Committee is still considering options to improve Australian Open in 1927 and was runner up on 4 occasions in the halfway hut, which is not representative of our high 1926, 1928, 1929 and 1930. He played in the Open at Royal standards and is showing signs of ageing. Major renovations St Georges the US Open at Olympia Fields in 1928 and again or replacement is unlikely in the next 2-3 years while a master played in the Open at Carnoustie in 1931. plan for the area is considered by Committee, so minor works FAMILY FUN DAY MEDALLIST DINNER WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS LUNCH
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE House, Events & Heritage I mentioned in last year’s report that the House Committee winemaker, Ben Glaetzer. I encourage members to purchase would like to review our wine collection and develop a plan for a bottle next time they are in the Members’ Lounge. It is well future wine purchases taking into account the capacity of the priced at $38 bottle for the quality of wine. new wine room and member interest in cellared wines. Wine We have a clubhouse that members can proudly invite family sales make up 42% of all beverage sales at Kooyonga and the and friends to enjoy, so I encourage members to utilise the wine room is a prominent feature within the clubhouse, so facility and promote the high-quality hospitality services on this is an important category of stock holding for the Club. offer at the Club. This review is yet to be completed by the House Committee In closing, I wish to express my sincere thanks and but is planned for 2023/24 now that a new Food & appreciation to my fellow Committee members and the Beverage Manager has been appointed to implement any hospitality management team for their contributions and recommendations. What we have found is members have efforts over the last 12 months. purchased a significant portion of the older vintage stock that Michael Gilroy we had acquired when first opening the wine room which Chair - House, Events & Heritage Committee has depleted our stock. Our aim is to source older vintages of preferred wines to cellar for longer periods of time before being released to the membership for consumption. Overall, our wine stockholding has increased by 10% to $110K over the last 12 months, but this has grown primarily due to our purchase of a pallet of the Centenary Release Shiraz to be used at functions throughout 2023. This wine is from a single vineyard in the Barossa and was produced by award winning PRESIDENT’S V CAPTAIN’S TEAM EVENT MELBOURNE CUP LUNCHEON TORBRECK WINE LUNCH P21
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Finance The operating result for the 2022/23 financial year was an operating loss of $61K, a decline of $333K over last year’s result but a surplus of $48K against the approved operating budget for the year. The below table provides a quick reference to explain the key movements in our financial performance compared to last year. I encourage members to read the Financial Statements • Profitability from our house operations improved by 31K included within this annual report for more detailed in 2022/23 thanks to steady growth in function activity information. towards historical levels following two challenging years of COVID-19 restrictions. Our annual food and beverage 2021/22 Operating Result $ 271,650 income increased by a combined $180K (5%) compared Add: Increase in subscription fees 179,825 to last year which was entirely sourced from an increase Add: Increase in Hospitality (net) 31,005 in third party events and member functions. Turnover Add: Increase in Golf (net) 25,185 from member food and beverage remained closely in line Less: Increase in Asset Write-offs (39,400) with last year. Our gross profit percentages for both food Less: Decrease in entrance fees (13,999) and beverage sales improved between 1-2% respectively Less: Decrease in property (net) (78,932) thanks to a greater share of activity from functions at Less: Increase in Interest Costs & Bank Fees higher margins. Salaries and wages in hospitality remain Less: Increase in Payroll Tax (111,542) high as a percentage of revenue as we continue to focus Less: Increase in Overhead Costs (38,902) on providing the high service levels that members have Other: (290,726) come to expect and appreciate. As mentioned in previous annual reports, our strategic goal is to generate a break- 4,587 even result for hospitality, which requires further growth in function activity to be achieved by 2024/25. 2022/23 Operating Result $ (61,249) • Profitability from our golf shop retail operations increased by $25K (7%) compared to last year due to a $23K On a cash basis we achieved a cash operating surplus of increase in green fees & cart hire from corporate golf $2.112M for the 2022/23 year, a $787K increase on the events and $75K increase in member introduced and cash surplus of $1.325M achieved last financial year. The visitor green fees following the growth in interstate additional cash surplus is primarily due to an increase of travel after COVID-19 impacts in the previous two years. $550K in subscription fees paid in advance as at 31 March Our retail golf shop sales grew by $45K (7%), thanks 2023 compared to the same time last year and additional to additional turnover linked to the introduction of the deposits of $120K related to prepayment of visitor green fees centenary logo and branding that has been well received during the AFL gather round and LIV event in April 2023. by members, however our gross profit margins from The following commentary provides a brief explanation of our these sales fell 1.5% to reduce the overall net benefit of trading performance compared to last year and an outline these additonal sales to $4K compared to last year. The of the main costs items that offset the additional income additional income from these revenue streams was offset referred to above: by a $16K decline in our driving range income which was impacted by the closure of the practice facilities for periods of time during the redevelopment of this area in the 2022/23 financial year, as well as higher labour costs to service our golf shop and golf operations services. - Page 26 -
• Course operating expenses increased by $150K compared EBI PROFIT/(LOSS) to last year. Wage costs grew by $120K (11%) due to various factors including: ($57K) - salary growth related to labour market pressures - an increase in the superannuation guarantee EBI (earnings before interest percentage costs & entrance fees) loss for - an increase in annual leave accruals given our 2022/23 commitment to the centenary and key projects during the year that limited opportunities for leave COMPARED TO $71k PROFIT IN 2021/22 - an increase in accruals for long service leave as staff RELATED TO HIGHER OVERHEAD COSTS. members reached tenure milestones in line with Club FORECAST EBI PROFIT OF $200K IN 2023/24 policy We also spent an additional $57K on chemicals, fertilizers ADJUSTED CASH PROFIT and sand in comparison to last year as we focused on presenting the course to the highest possible standard $1.424M throughout the year and continued a commitment to minimise the extend of poa and other weed varieties on Cash profit for 2022/23 (excluding course. increase in subscription fees paid in advance and pre payment of green • House operating expenses increased by $45K compared fees during LIV) to last year, $16K of which relates to depreciation from infrastructure projects capitalised during the year and the COMPARES WITH $1.325M IN 2021/22 balance due to general increases in cleaning and laundry costs impacted by inflation and minor repair and works BANK DEBT completed in the lead up to the centenary celebrations. $7.351M • Administration expenses increased by $120K compared Net bank debt as at to last year for a variety of reasons, including $39K in 31 March 2023 additional payroll tax which was related to the COVID-19 relief package that provided relief for part of the 2021/22 INCLUDES $2.99M IN WILLINGALE financial year, $64K in additional administration salaries AVENUE PROPERTY LOANS of which $41.5K related to increase in leave accruals and superannuation costs for same reasons as is noted under PEAK DEBT the course commentary above, and $16K in additional insurance costs related to significant growth in premiums $8.95M that is being experienced in many industries following disaster events across the globe in recent years. Forecast for February 2024 • Finance costs and bank fees increased by $110K FORECAST FULL REPAYMENT OF compared to last year due to the increase in interest rates CLUBHOUSE LOAN BY 2028/29 from 2.38% to 6.6% over the last 12 months as well as the increased use of Commonwealth Bank loan facilities for CAPITAL BUDGET longer periods of the year to help finance the cost of the recently completed practice facility project. $535K • The net cost associated with holding the two surrounding Capital expenditure properties at 5 and 7 Willingale Avenue (after accounting budgeted in 2023/24 for interest, depreciation and property management fees) has grown from $23K to $102K over the last 12 months, primarily due to the increase in interest rates noted above. The Committee’s land acquisition policy remains unchanged and the CBA loans for the two properties will continue to be repaid over a 30 year period until the Club is in a financial position to repay these loans in a shorter timeframe from available cashflow without impacting major projects being considered. - Page 27 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Finance • Entrance fee income was $324K for 2022/23 compared 2022/23 year result. The result is assisted by the windfall of to $338K reported last year. I remind members of approximately $125K from green fees generated as a direct a change in accounting standards that impacts the result of Adelaide hosting both AFL gather round and LIV in recognition of entrance fee revenue from 1 April 2019 April 2023. as referred to in Note 1 of the Financial Statements and The Committee remains committed to achieving its strategic the Statement by Committee. This change in recognition goal of generating an operating profit of $100K before resulted in a $26.5K increase in entrance fee revenue interest and entrance fees on a consistent basis. While reported for the 2022/23 financial year. Committee this budget has been developed to achieve this goal for remains of the view that the entrance fee revenue the first time, the additional green fees from AFL gather reported as $297.5K in the cashflow statement provides round and LIV cannot be confidently relied upon into the more useful information to the users of the Financial future. As such, management and Committee will continue Statements. This compares with $229K for 2021/22. to strive to grow trading income and manage discretionary The increase in entrance fees is a result of the induction costs without compromising our key strategic vision to be of 8 x Category 2 members in December 2022 that had recognised as one of Australia’s premier clubs. been guaranteed upgrade from the Pathway programme The overall budget result after accounting for entrance fees in the prior year. and interest is a forecast deficit of $50K for the 2023/24 financial year. I noted that on a cash basis, we are budgeting Centenary Celebrations an annual cash operating surplus of $1.2M prior to capital In the statement of comprehensive income on page 2 of expenditure and loan repayments. the financial statements, members will see a cost of $204K Practice Facility Project under the heading “Special Events (Net)”. This amount The final construction costs for the practice facility project represents the overall net cost of the centenary gala was $3.478M including the short game area, safety net, weekend that was held at Kooyonga during March 2023. short game carpark and entrance, flood lights, pavilion and The Committee initially planned to hold the event off site academy extension, chipping green, putting green and to keep costs at or near a break-even result, however the practice tee extension. The overall cost finished $228K sentiment of the membership following this announcement or 7% above the original budget of $3.250M announced prompted Committee reconsideration of the venue. It was to the membership in July 2022 when the contract was eventually decided to hold the event on the practice facility entered into with Partek Constructions. $150K of the cost on the understanding there was a significant cost to be overrun related to in-house course works associated with borne by the Club to deliver a centenary event fitting for the project which included expansion of the putting green such a milestone. The overall cost of the event, including during construction and removal of the first target green marquees, flooring, furniture, food and beverage, staffing, and flattening of the practice tee to accommodate the lighting, PA, staging, music, gifts, table decorations etc marquee for the centenary gala dinner. exceeded $375K, which was offset by ticket and raffle sales Capital Expenditure which brought the net costs back to $204K. The Club did For the 2022/23 year the Club spent $3.872M in total not incur any costs associated with the appearance of Mr capital expenditure which was funded from the annual cash Gary Player at the Centenary event, which was fully funded operating surplus of $2.112M and loan facilities of $1.760M, through the Kooyonga Foundation via generous member net of cash reserves on hand and also generated during the donations. year. 2023/24 Budget Major items of capital expenditure included $1.95M on the The 2023/24 budget was developed with a view to continue expansion of the golf academy and new pavilion, $300K for to provide outstanding services and facilities to members. the on-course toilet, $373K for the short course carpark, The Committee approved a 6% subscription fee increase to $215K for the 24m high safety net, $335K for the practice help buffer the effects of inflation on the vast majority of facility lights, $345K for the construction of the chipping our overhead costs including electricity, insurance, course green, putting green, practice fee extension and warm up input and wage costs. nets. The 2023/24 budget forecasts an operating EBI profit of $200K (prior to entrance fees and interest costs), which if achieved, would be an improvement of $260K on the - Page 28 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Finance Other items of capital expenditure included $67.5K for the that was originally forecast by March 2027. The Committee construction of new nurseries on the 5th and 6th holes, remains confident in the Club’s ability to achieve this $62.5K for two new electric Toro eFlex 1021 hand mowers repayment forecast allowing for regular asset replacement and $22.5K for a new brush fence along May Terrace, while purchases and a prudent $200K allocation for special the balance of $201.5K was for replacement assets and projects on an annual basis over the next 5 years. minor plant and equipment to operate the Club. The Committee has invested heavily in infrastructure We have budgeted $535K in capital expenditure in the projects over the last 3-5 years with the aim of providing 2023/24 financial year including $110K for shed and members with unique and contemporary membership amenities upgrades at the maintenance facility, $75K for facilities and services not offered by our competitors. course works and the remaining for replacement assets. Our focus for the year ahead is to strengthen our Cashflow membership model and business plans to improve our Our net bank balance (debt) was $(7.351)M on 31 March financial results, making the most of our unique benefits and 2023, calculated by totalling the bank and loan facilities recent investment in facilities. listed below: Thank You Bank & Loan Facilities $ I take this opportunity to thank my fellow Committee CBA Loan facility - clubhouse project (4.849)M members and the management team for their valued CBA Loan facility - 5 Willingale Avenue (1.239)M assistance and contributions over the last 12 months on the CBA Loan facility - 7 Willingale Avenue (1.753)M Finance, Audit, Risk and Governance Committee. CBA Transaction Account Balance 0.490 M In particular, I would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of outgoing Captain, Crawford Giles who Net Bank Balance (Debt) $ (7.351)M has been a member of the Finance Committee since his appointment in 2016. He oversaw our response to During the 2022/23 financial year, the Club repaid COVID-19 and delivered two key projects in the clubhouse $500,000 of the clubhouse project loan balance as well and practice facility upgrades that have added significant as $24,500 and $43,333 respectively off the two property value to the membership. His financial acumen, together loans that are being amortised over a 30-year period. with his strong commitment to improve our financial performance to underwrite the future stability of the Club Members will observe within the Balance Sheet and Note have been invaluable and will be difficult to replace. 13 to the Accounts that the loan facilities are separated into Zoee Dolling current and non-current liabilities. This relates to the term of Chair – Finance, Audit, Risk & Governance Committee each loan and when they expire, noting the clubhouse loan was rolled-over in July 2022 for a 3 year period ending July 2025, while the loan for 5 Willingale Avenue is due for roll- over in December 2023. The accounting standards require us to show a current liability for the entire loan of $1.239M for 5 Willingale Avenue that is due to roll in December 2023 together with the annual repayment of $500,000 to be paid for the clubhouse loan and $43,333 for the 7 Willingale Avenue loan on 31 March 2024. The balance of these two loans to be paid annually and on expiry are treated as non-current. It was mentioned in last year’s Annual Report and at the AGM in June 2022 that the expected increase in cost for the practice facility project would add 12-18 months to the total loan repayment timeframe for the clubhouse loan - Page 29 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Women The Women’s Sub Committee over the last 12 months has focused on ensuring our members are provided an enjoyable and enriched golfing and membership experience. Our Golf Operations and Hospitality Teams have done an outstanding job this year, ensuring most of the work to deliver these experiences are run seamlessly by the Club. It has been pleasing as a Sub Committee to be able to focus General Committee and all Sub Committee’s, and very on strategic matters like women’s leadership pathways, pleasingly we have ensured that any work previously member recruitment and retention and new opportunities performed by the Women’s Committee are now addressed to enhance our member experiences. within the relevant Sub Committee’s agenda and reported Jill Trenorden as our Head of Women’s Golf has done an to General Committee each month. We will continue to outstanding job of strengthening the relatively new role, evolve and adapt the governance of the Club to ensure feeding directly into General Committee, and as the conduit that all segments of the membership are appropriately for members and staff across all our club events, pennants represented in decision making across the Club, and also and inter-club golf activities for the year. Under her continue to leadership we have seen some great success in pennants support the growth of golf amongst women and girls. winning a Cleek 2 flag in July 2022, wonderful events The Sub Committee reports included within the Annual to showcase our Club like Women’s Guest Day and Report provide an overview of the women’s golf, social strengthening relations with our golfing peers across other and membership activities at Kooyonga over the last 12 clubs in Adelaide and our reciprocals sending many teams months. I encourage all members to read them, and take away and having representatives from Kooyonga attend the opportunity to discuss any of these matters with the various events. relevant Sub Committee members. We again have a significant growth in new female junior, It has been a busy and exciting year in our Centenary and I temporary and full members to Kooyonga, and have would like to thank all of the Committee and Sub Committee focussed on supporting our new members embracing all members for their collaboration and contributions, Susie our golf and club events, with the support of older members. Mathews and the Golf Shop team for all their hard work for The mentoring program for new members, and our Tee Off our golf enjoyment. and Pathway members continues to grow and many new Zoee Dolling Chair - Women’s Sub Committee faces can be spotted enjoying a wine in the clubhouse after a clinic or time on course with a mentor. A big thank you to our mentors who are an integral part of us welcoming members into our Women’s Golf program The new structures of leadership and governance at the Club, have benefitted greatly from the representation on all Sub Committee’s by women. We thank Helen Berry (Membership), Anne Brown (House), Melissa Emmett (FARG), Rachel Fry (Match), Christine Hildyard (Course), Melissa Nelligan (Match) and Lynley Marshall (House) who have contributed greatly to the work of all these Sub Committee’s this year. We now have two women on - Page 30 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Membership Total membership numbers declined by 6 members over the last 12 months from 1485 to 1479, however our total number of playing members increased by 22 over this period. This is primarily due to members continuing to re-enter playing categories from Absent as well as new Junior, Under 30, Temporary and Category 2 women members joining the Club. We experienced low attrition throughout the 2022/23 To offset this reduction we offered membership upgrades membership year, with a net 31 playing members either to 8 women temporary pathway members who requested resigning or transferring to a non-playing category, an an upgrade to Category 2 as well as 9 male temporary attrition rate of 3% compared to an average attrition rate pathway members who had completed their initial 12 month of 6% over the last 10 years. This low attrition rate is a good programme and had entered a transitional category on sign of a healthy and engaged membership. payment of an entrance fee instalment for guaranteed entry to the Club as a Category 2 member prior to 1 April 2023. Playing Male Female 2021/22 Male Female 2022/23 Category 1 3 Total 1 3 Total 4 4 Life 1 2 1 2 471 38 3 473 39 3 Honorary Membership 146 163 509 149 167 512 Category One 183 38 309 174 34 316 Category Two 3 0 221 0 0 208 Absent 20 2 3 20 1 0 Clergy 103 69 22 90 64 21 Country 22 1 172 23 2 154 Honorary Social 21 7 23 15 7 25 Interstate 14 10 28 20 10 22 Junior 1 0 24 0 0 30 Junior Cadet 22 3 1 20 3 0 Junior Country 5 0 25 5 0 23 Overseas 13 14 5 18 20 5 Senior 25 20 27 27 10 38 Social 33 5 45 50 6 37 Temporary 24 1 38 22 2 56 Under 30 (18-24) 0 1 25 0 1 24 Under 30 (25-29) 1,108 377 1 1,108 371 1 Veteran Associate 1,485 1479 - Page 31 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Membership We also inducted 36 new playing members to the Club in As I write this report, the membership renewal period for 2022/23 compared to 23 in the 2021/22 year and an 2023/24 has finalised with the overall level of attrition at average of 48 new members inducted per year over the last 4% and playing numbers down by 42 in total. Category 1 10 years. numbers remain higher than anticipated at 506, with a net reduction of only 6 members during the renewal period. This Of the 36 new members joining the Club, 12 were juniors means we remain some time away from our desired quota of and 19 were Under 30 members as we seek to grow and 450 Category 1 members, with no upgrades to Category 1 maintain the right balance of age demographics across to be offered during this period apart from existing younger the Club. We mentioned in last year’s report that our share members on reaching the age of 30 and other transfers with of male members between the age of 20 and 39 as a special circumstances that are supported by Committee. percentage of total playing members was 3% below industry With the level of attrition remaining below industry average, so our ability to attract new members in this age standards, prospective male members are being placed on bracket was pleasing and a good sign for the future. We are a waiting list for entry to the Club from 1 April 2024 at the confident that interest will grow in this age demographic earliest, with the only opportunity for men to join the Club with the recent upgrades to the practice fairway and via the 12 month “Pathway to Membership” programme with addition of the lights. restricted playing rights. As was the case last year, those male members completing their first 12 month “Pathway to The average age of members joining the Club in 2022/23 Membership” programme are being offered the opportunity was just 34, well below the current average age of 55 for to extend this temporary membership for a further 12 men and 61.5 for women. The below graph highlights the months while they remain on the waiting list if they commit age profile of our membership in comparison to industry to an entrance fee prepayment of $2,000 to guarantee their averages. position to join on 1 April 2024. This commitment to join the Club provides certainty for these temporary members and Age Profile of Playing Members firms up the Club’s waiting list. The Club will continue to ballot women as a “special measure” to improve gender balance and diversity within the Club given our women’s membership currently makes up just 21.8% of our total playing membership, some 5% below long term averages. After a number of years of reduction in the women’s playing categories, it was pleasing to see an overall increase of 6 women in the playing categories, supported by the upgrade of 8 women pathway and tee off with friends members into Category 2 over the last 12 months. This is a good sign that our introductory programmes are starting to pay dividends. I am pleased to report from a membership perspective that We currently have 10 women participating in these our rounds declined in 2022/23 with total member rounds programmes and a further 5 completing membership of 42,500 compared to 47,150 in 2021/22, a decline of applications to commence mid-year. However, to increase 10%. Member rounds made up 86.75% of our total rounds of our overall women’s playing membership numbers, we need 49,150 for the year compared to 90% last financial year. to expand the number of participants in the introductory The average playing member played 42.8 rounds of golf programmes to ensure we can exceed the attrition that will at Kooyonga in 2022/23 compared to 48.5 in 2022/23. continue to occur with our ageing women’s membership. This is the second consecutive year we have seen a fall in Our introductory programmes provide opportunities for member rounds which is a good sign we are on track to our women to play 9 or 18 holes with mentors and participate planned overall reduction of 45,000 rounds by 2025. in clinics to help improve their game and build social connections within the Club. All members can assist by acting as “ambassadors” and promoting the benefits of membership to prospective women members. - Page 32 -
The Membership Committee has had a strong focus on NEW MEMBERS strengthening the induction process with all new members required to complete the induction process in full prior to 34yo being balloted, where in the past we have been a little loose in some instances. We have also upgraded the induction process Average age of members to include an interactive powerpoint presentation with links joining in 2022/23 to video content, the club website and various policies to improve the communication and education of new members COMPARED WITH AVERAGE AGE OF in an efforts to maintain standards and only induct the correct 55 FOR MEN AND 61.5 FOR WOMEN type of candidates. With travel restrictions experienced through COVID-19, ATTRITION the Committee put on hold a full review of our reciprocal arrangements and opportunities to expand into preferred 3% travel destinations for our members. With interstate and international travel well and truly back in vogue, Committee Attrition rate in 2022/23 plan to establish a taskforce in the year ahead to analyse survey data from the 2021 member survey results as well COMPARED TO 4.8% IN 2021/22 as data from the next member survey planned for later AND AVERAGE OF 6% OVER LAST in 2023 / early 2024 to help guide decision making and 10 YEARS changes in member preferences when it comes to reciprocal arrangements. Members would be pleased to read that we GENDER DIVERSITY continue to field requests for reciprocal arrangements from other highly ranked clubs in Australia and Committee is 21.8% assessing those requests as they arise. It was disappointing for members to be advised during the of total members year that the Tee Sharing Arrangement with Royal Adelaide are female was suspended indefinitely after it was put on hold during COVID-19. Unfortunately, while Kooyonga was open to COMPARED TO 22.9% IN 2021/22 reinstating the arrangement in full, Royal Adelaide put to Kooyonga that a visiting member would at all times need TENURE to be introduced by and play with a host club member. Our Committee did not believe that proposed change was in the 17.5 years spirit of the arrangement in that such proposal would not be a true tee sharing arrangement for all members but only for a Average membership tenure select cohort who have friends at the other club and as such the arrangement will not be reinstated. 300 MEMBERS ARE 25+ YEAR MEMBERS As mentioned above, the Committee plan to conduct another comprehensive member survey towards the end of 2023 to AGEING MEMBERSHIP better understand the views of members and identify any areas of the Club that require attention, noting the last survey 70+ years was conducted in early 2021. As in past years, the results will be benchmarked against previous surveys to highlight trends, 25.8% of men are aged which help inform Committee for future planning. 70+ compared to industry I take this opportunity to thank my fellow Committee average of 24.9% members and the management team for their valued 40.1% of women are aged 70+ compared contributions to decision making on the Membership to industry average of 40.5% Sub Committee. Simon Tamke Chair – Membership Committee - Page 33 -
Welcome to New Members during 2022/23 APRIL OCTOBER Miss SK Fry** Mr MJ Herrmann** Mr WT Sullivan** Mr AI McGregor-Baptista** Mr MD Thorn** Mr R Tully** Mr JC Balasis** Miss EI Keating* Mr SJ Ridley^ Mr HL Keating* Mr B Tucker** Mr WJ Herbert** Mr M Lange** Mr D Pearce** Mr R Heinrich^ MR GJ Hedrick* Mr R Nieuwenhoven^ Mr L Luey^ Mr HHT Tu^ Miss A Altree^ Dr S Hannah^ Mrs P Pascoe^ Mr DH Kim** NOVEMBER Mr L Martin^ Mrs S Fabian^ Mr TJ Fabian* Mr CJ Metcalf** Mr LP Fabian* Mr PA Teakle^ Mr D Murdock Mr N Teakle** Mr SJ Greville** Miss AL McMaugh** Mr M Fusco^ MAY DECEMBER Dr M Dawson^ Mr T Wong* Mr T Angel^ Miss EMY Wong* Mr C Hay** Mr AK Kruavit* Mr S Vivian** Mr L Wang* JULY Mr D Wang* Mr JLM Comley** Ms X Zheng Mr LJE Murdock** Mr JM Skene^ Mr RJ Meakin Mr C Woolley^ Mrs S Spry^ Dr QL Alinskie AUGUST FEBRUARY Mr JP Jacob^ Ms A Klingberg Mr KL Jacob* Mr CM Woolhouse Mr S Rode ^denotes temporary member at time of admission *denotes junior member **denotes under 30 member
IN LOVING MEMORY IT IS WITH SADNESS THAT WE RECORD THE DEATHS OF THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS DURING THE MEMBERSHIP YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2023; Mr Peter Standish, 23 April 2022 Mr John Dixon, 27 September 2022 Dr Neil Beagley, 1 May 2022 Mr Brian McPhee, 7 November 2022 Mrs June Robinson, 7 May 2022 Mr Anthony Gulliver, 6 December 2022 Mr Reginald Forbes, 9 June 2022 Mr Clive Renner, 31 January 2023 Mr John Whiting, 4 July 2022 Mr John Haigh, 10 February 2023 Mrs Meredyth Sarah AM, 8 July 2022 Mrs Elizabeth Piggin, 20 February 2023 Mr Peter Clark, 11 July 2022 Mr Anthony Carrig, 24 February 2023 Mr Colin Hockney, 14 August 2022 Mr Mark Jeffreson, 28 February 2023
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Match We returned to a full calendar of golf events in 2022/23 after the impacts of COVID-19 and it was wonderful to see members participating in the diverse range of events on offer, including the centenary events that were a real highlight of the year. The report that follows celebrates many of the events played over the last 12 months, however before doing so I provide below a high-level summary of rounds, competition participation as well as Match Committee deliberations during the year. In line with our strategic goal to reduce rounds by 15% to which has been implemented on Monday’s, Thursday’s and 45,000 to reduce wear and tear on the course and improve Friday’s with a 10 minute interval between tee times. While member accessibility to the course, we are pleased to report the Match Committee could also reduce group sizes from an overall decline of approximately 3,000 rounds or 6% in 4 to 3 at certain times of the week to reduce rounds, this the 2022/23 year. Member rounds declined by 4,250 or option is not currently being considered. The Membership 10% but this reduction was offset by a 1,250 increase in Committee’s commitment to reduce the number of visitor and reciprocal rounds to near pre pandemic levels Category 1 members to 450 is expected to have the desired as interstate travel was reinvigorated. Member rounds effect to reduce total rounds to 45,000 pa, but this target made up 86.75% of our total rounds in 2022/23 which is is unlikely to be achieved for some time due to low attrition slightly higher than the long term average of 85% (excluding levels in this membership category. COVID-19 impacted years). The Match Committee continue to monitor average field The graph below highlights the downward trend in member sizes on our key competition days of Tuesday, Wednesday rounds after the peak experienced through the COVID-19 and Saturday. Statistics show a decline of between 5% and years. 7.5% in participation over the last 12 months and up to 10% from the peak fields experienced in 2020 during COVID-19. The Match Committee continues to monitor rounds Speed of play is another topic of regular discussion at Match played on a monthly basis and along with the Membership Committee, with slow groups identified and contacted Committee, considers ways to improve member access and if necessary to better understand the reasons they may wear and tear on the golf course. The Match Committee can have lost their position in the field. Unfortunately, for the control access to the course with policies on tee intervals, second consecutive year we have seen a 4 minute increase in the average time per round from 3 hrs 58 minutes to 4 hrs 2 minutes. We use data from MiClub timesheets and the MiScore App, including actual tee time and submitted score time, to calculate average round times from more than 30,000 recorded rounds. The increase was relatively consistent across most days of the week, with Wednesday and Saturday the slowest rounds of the week and the average time per round 4 hrs 7 minutes. Further work is required by the golf operations team and Match Committee in the year ahead to reverse the trend of longer rounds of golf being played at Kooyonga. I encourage members to play their part by following the principle of ready golf and ensuring they are keeping up with the group ahead at all times. - Page 36 -
After a number of years without change, the Match Committee TIME PER ROUND undertook a comprehensive review of the stroke indexes for men and women in 2022. Dr Peter Preston from Golf Statistics, a 4h 2m company which reviews the indexes of courses around Australia, was engaged to analyse and report on the scores at Kooyonga average time per round from January 2019 to September 2022 and calculate stroke indexes based on that data. His recommendations were based INCREASE OF 4 MINUTES COMPARED on an analysis of 1,977,530 hole scores which is the equivalent TO 3H 58M IN 2021/22 to 109,863 18 hole rounds. This was reported to be a very large sample of scores which provided an excellent base for the TOTAL ROUNDS accurate calculation of hole indexes. The recommendations put forward by Mr Preston were subsequently approved by 49,150 Committee and have been well received by the membership. CLUB COMPETITIONS Total rounds played A number of special events were added to the golfing calendar during 2022/23 in early 2023 to help celebrate the Club’s centenary year, commencing with the Centenary Year Launch Summer Soiree 6% REDUCTION ON TOTAL OF 52,225 held in February 2023. In excess of 100 members dressed up in IN 2021/22 attire from the 1920’s era and played the 9 hole event using the original 9 hole course routing with hickory sticks. The centenary MEMBER ROUNDS flag was raised and a river red gum tree planted between the 1st tee and 18th fairway to commemorate the occasion. 42.8 The feature centenary event was the 36 Hole Centenary Trophy Average rounds per played over the gala dinner weekend in mid-March 2023 in member conjunction with a 36 hole Reciprocal Cup. Congratulations to Will Hards for winning the inaugural event with an aggregate REDUCTION OF 10% FROM 48.5 score of 76 points, while daughter Taylor Hards was runner- AVERAGE IN 2021/22 up with an aggregate score of 72 points. Michael Barltrop from Royal Auckland & Grange won the Reciprocal Cup with GOLF SPEND a two round stableford score of 60 pts. It was wonderful to have representatives from 18 reciprocal Clubs from Australia, $14.60 New Zealand and United Kingdom travel to participate in our milestone event which only further enhances the camaraderie Average golf retail spend per and friendships we have built with each of these clubs. round of golf played in 2022/23 WILL HARDS BEING PRESENTED WITH THE INAUGRAL INCREASE OF 13.5% ON AVERAGE OF 36 HOLE CENTENARY CUP BY MR GARY PLAYER $12.86 IN 2021/22 We added a 54 hole Easter Tournament to our 2023 golfing calendar, played from our black tees as a true test of golf during ACTIVE ROUNDS our centenary year, inclusive of the Masters event on Easter Monday. While there were only 20 participants in the inaugural 43.5% event, it was played in excellent spirits and was won by Geoff Brennan with a 3 round gross total of 237 from runner up Bruce of member rounds were Lindner with 243. Nick O’Connell won the net event with a 3 played by our 200 most round total of 224 on a count back from Gary Chenoweth. active members (average 94 per member) COMPARED TO 42.8% IN 2021/22 (AVERAGE 102 PER MEMBER) - Page 37 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Match MATILDA MIELS, 2022 WOMEN’S CLUB CHAMPION & HEATH RICHES, 2022 MEN’S CLUB CHAMPION The 2022 Men’s & Women’s Club Championships were Heath won the final 8&7 however both players showed played over the October long weekend with some great fantastic sportsmanship and camaraderie during the match. golf showcased for all members to view. Congratulations Congratulations to Heath for win number 4 and well done to to Heath Riches for winning the 2022 Men’s Club James for making the final. Championship and Matilda Miels for winning the 2022 The 2022 Women’s Club Championship final was contested Women’s Club Championship. Heath’s win takes his overall between Matilda Miels & Christine Hildyard. The first 13 Club Championship tally to four wins (2007, 2014, 2015 & holes was tightly contested with both players playing solid 2022) and Matilda’s win results in her winning the title for golf. However, with Matilda going into the final with fine form the third year in a row (2020, 2021 & 2022). after not having lost a hole in her quarter-final or semi-final The 2022 Men’s Club Championship final was contested matches, she continued this form and stretched out her lead between Heath Riches and James Percey. With Heath 4 from the 13th hole to end up winning the match 10&9. Well under par off the stick after the first 18 holes, he held a done to both Matilda and Christine for a great weekend of commanding lead in the match and this proved to be too golf and congratulations to Matilda for win number 3. far ahead for James to catch up after the break for lunch. 2022 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS
Congratulations to Kyle Hayter who won the ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE WS Shepherd Medal for the leading qualifier in the Men’s Club Championship with a two Match round gross score total of 148 after rounds of 76 and 72. Joel Durnford was runner up with a JORDAN PERCEY, JUNIOR BOYS CLUB CHAMPION & gross score total of 149. Also, congratulations AKIRA HUANG, HANDICAP MATCH PLAY WINNER to Matilda Miels who was top qualifier in the IMOGEN JESSEN, JUNIOR GIRLS CLUB CHAMPION Women’s Club Championship with a two round & MIA LUEY, WINNER OF NETT EVENT gross score total of 149 after rounds of 74 and 75. Jaime Hards was runner up with a gross score total of 170. The results of all other grades and plate events are contained within the competition results at the end of this report. Congratulations to all winners and thank you to everyone who was involved in the Club Championship weekend. The 2022 Junior Boys Championship went to extra holes to decide the winner and congratulations to Jordan Percey who won the event over Jack Speirs on the 19th hole. Well done also to Akira Huang who defeated Jacob Lewis 1 up in the Junior Boy’s Handicap Match Play final which was played at the same time. The 2022 Junior Girl’s Championship was played as a 36 hole stroke play event and was won by Imogen Jessen by 3 shots from Jaime Hards. A nett competition over 18 holes was also played for the girls in conjunction with the Junior Girls Championship and well done to Mia Luey for winning this event. Congratulations to Ian McDowall for winning the 2022 Men’s Senior Championship defeating Gary O’Loughlin 3&2 in the final. The Senior Handicap match play competition was a very closely contested final with Peter Hoffman defeating Ray Tanner on the 19th hole. Congratulations Peter. IAN MCDOWALL SENIOR CLUB CHAMPION - Page 39 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Match The winners of the 2022 Men’s Foursomes Championship GEOFF BRENNAN & GEORDIE GOLDING were Geoff Brennan and Geordie Golding who won by MEN’S FOURSOMES CHAMPIONSHIP three strokes over Jason Cocks and Greg Blewett. Jason MIXED FOURSOMES CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS & and Greg went on to win the Men’s Handicap Foursomes competition by half a shot from Greg Stirling and Philip Laity. HANDICAP MIXED FOURSOMES WINNERS Congratulations to Geoff and Geordie as well as Jason and GREG WARK AND PENNY WARK Greg for great performances. Unfortunately, the 2022 Women’s Foursomes Championship RS THOMSON WINNERS didn’t proceed due to a lack of registrations however the event has been reviewed and conditions of play modified to encourage more women to enter the event in future years. The women’s match play Foursomes competition was held in 2022 and was played over a week in August with the qualifying on the Monday & Tuesday and the match play rounds on the Thursday & Friday. The winners of the Ross Sawers Match Play Trophy (Women’s A Grade Match Play Foursomes) were Rachel Fry and Christine Hildyard. The 2022 Mixed Foursomes Championship was won for a second year in a row by Will Somerfield and Emily Giotis over Heath Riches and Isabella Cahill-Terrell. Congratulations to Will and Emily for a great performance. A countback was required to determine the winners of the Handicap Mixed Foursomes competition and the 2022 title was won by Alex Morkunas and Yoko Kishimoto over Graham Parker and Scarlett Parker. Both pairs had a nett score of 71.5. 146 members (73 pairs) competed in the RS Thomson Mixed Canadian Foursomes, an honour board event and arguably the most prestigious mixed golf event at Kooyonga. Congratulations to Penny Wark and Greg Wark who won the event with a great score of 71.75 by 0.625 shots from Pip Oxenham and Michael Gilroy. Congratulations to Ned Looker and Georgie White who won the Mixed Four Ball competition for the second year running. The pair defeated Lindsay Elliott and Yoko Kishimoto in a closely contested match on the 18th hole 1 up. The family golf events were again well attended in 2022. In the Father & Daughter competition the top two pairs scored very well with Crawford Giles and Ava Giles winning the event with a score of 65.5 by 0.125 from the runners up Will Hards and Jaime Hards. In the Mother & Son competition, Melissa Emmett and Jack Emmett won the event over Louise Bowler and Patrick Bowler and in the Mixed Family event Jodie Deacon and Mark Deacon won the event for the third time. FATHER & DAUGHTER, MOTHER & SON AND FAMILY MIXED WINNERS - Page 40 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Match The Masters breakfast and golf event at Kooyonga continues Anne Brown. Imogen’s solid second round was the contributing to be a popular event on the yearly golfing calendar with factor in securing her the win. The Club has recently arranged hard and fast greens, tough pin placements and the course a beautiful perpetual vase with the support of the Hill family to being played at its longest from the championship black tees. present to the winner of this prestigious event, which now sits Congratulations to Gary Allison who defeated Joe Plamenac on on display in our trophy cabinet. a countback with a nett score of 73 in the 2022 event played Congratulations to Debra Parry, Nina Wright and Kerrie Van within the reporting period covered by this Annual Report. I Dissel who won the Judy Crafter 3BBB event played in June wish to acknowledge outgoing Captain Crawford Giles as the 2022 with a score of 76. Following golf the women enjoyed winner of the recent annual Masters event played in April 2023 lunch in the Centenary Room. Unfortunately Judy Crafter with a net score of 68. His gross score of 78 was equal best was not able to attend the event herself, however she was score of the day, but he lost on a countback to Freddie Cassell. celebrated by the women who were in attendance. The finals of the McGregor Cup, TH Brown Trophy & Men’s In the 2022 Women’s Captain’s Trophy, an honour board event, Captain’s Trophy, all honour board events, were contested Christine Flynn defeated Rachel Fry 2&1 in a closely contested over 36 holes. The 2022 McGregor Cup was won by Michael match and the winner of the 2022 Laurel Wreath Trophy, an Ledgard who defeated Sam Phelan 4&2, the 2022 TH Brown honour board event, was Jan Marriott who defeated Barbara Trophy was won by David Terrell who required extra holes Clapp in a final match which was decided on the 18th hole with to defeat Timothy Roberts on the 37th hole and the Men’s Jan winning the match 1 up. Congratulations to Christine & Jan. Captain’s Trophy was won by Christopher John Holyoak who The 2022 Women’s President’s Trophy which is played over defeated Craig Mason 5&4. Congratulations to Michael, David two Stroke (nett) rounds was won by Cassi Heath over Jodie and John. Deacon and the Senior Women’s Salver was won by Julie Drew Congratulations to Joe Hodgson for winning the 2022 Playfair on a countback from Suzanne Hockley. Putter by 1 shot over Will Somerfield. This event was first played The Kooyonga Mother & Daughter Trophy was won by Jill in 1925 and is contested by the top male golfers at the Club. Trenorden & Lane Trenorden with a nett score of 75.625 and The best aggregate gross score over 36 holes determines the the runners up were Pip Oxenham and Clare Oxenham. annual winner of the Playfair Putter and we acknowledge Joe The 2022 Bonython Medal, named after Kooyonga Life and Will on their great performances. Member Chris Bonython, which brings together all male The Kooyonga Father & Son Cup was won by Brenton Howard monthly medal winners from the previous year, was won by and Hayden Howard with a great nett score of 69 and by 4.5 Andrew Boden over Nick Sutherland. Congratulations Andrew. shots over Kym Duval and Michael Duval. Congratulations The 2022 Saturday Women’s Medal for Medal event brings Brenton and Hayden. Well done also to Patrick Flynn and together all female Saturday monthly medal winners from the Alistair Flynn for winning the State Father and Son Cup with a previous year and this event was won by Emily Giotis over Kay nett score of 73 by half a shot from runners up John Bowler Miki. In late 2022 the women’s medal was named after Sue and Patrick Bowler. Tonkin and is now known as the Sue Tonkin Medal. An event that is very popular with the women is the prestigious Valerie Hill Memorial trophy which is played over two Stroke (nett) rounds. Congratulations to the 2022 winner Imogen Jessen who won the event on a countback from runner up, ANDREW BODEN EMILY GIOTIS BONYTHON MEDAL WINNER SUE TONKIN MEDAL WINNER - Page 41 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Match KOOYONGA PREMIER LEAGUE Hole-in-One The 2022 iteration of The Kooyonga Men’s & Women’s Premier League saw a minor decline in participation from Congratulations to the following members the previous year as members started to travel again after who achieved a hole-in-one from the COVID-19 pandemic. However the 12 men’s teams and 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 11 women’s teams each week provided some fantastic golf and team spirit with both the men and women often braving PENNY WARK poor weather conditions. 3rd hole - 5 April 2022 The Kooyonga Premier League is played in conjunction with the Tuesday and Wednesday competitions respectively. HAYLEY HUNT Each team comprises of seven players with three scores 14th hole - 9 April 2022 from each team to count every round. The minor rounds consist of each team playing each other once and then the GARY O’LOUGHLIN top four teams progressing to the final series which is played 3rd hole - 8 June 2022 over three weeks. In the men’s competition we would like to congratulate CHRIS CHAMPION Ken Parker, Tony Timmins, Lindsay Elliot, Richard Payne, 7th hole - 17 September 2022 Richard Henshaw, Chris Muirhead and Craig Weckert of team 7 Up who proved too strong in the final defeating JOHN LAMBERT The Colostomies, Bill DeGaris, Mitch Trenorden, Michael 14th hole - 29 October 2022 Davey, Kevin Phelps, Jim Corbett, Grant Whitford and Alex Morkunas. Both teams had an equally impressive finals MIA LUEY campaign finishing 4th and 2nd respectively during the 3rd hole - 30 October 2022 minor rounds and some outstanding scores throughout the finals saw them take down their highly ranked opponents. TOM DOLLING We would also like to congratulate Michael Davey who won 15th hole - 15 December 2022 the Brownlow Medal awarded to the best individual player during the regular season. KYM DUVAL In the women’s competition, after an impressive season 7th hole - 21 December 2022 finishing second on the premiership table, Sue Fuller, Pam Marshall, Merry Frogley, Barb Clapp, Anne Brown, Carol KEN PITTMAN Smith and Barb Rasmussen of team Hitless Wonders went 14th hole - 11 January 2023 one better and defeated Partee Birdies in the final ending their streak of wins. Commiserations to Margie Gregg, Debra NICK O’CONNELL Parry, Cate Birch, Suzanne Hockley, Miriam Van der Zalm, 14th hole - 18 February 2023 Leonie Millard and Nina Wright of team Partee Birdies. It was very impressive making it to their third final in a row and SIMON HAMMOND nearly making it a hat trick of wins. Congratulations to Suzy 15th hole - 18 March 2023 Kitto of Fairway to Heaven team for winning the women’s Brownlow Medal awarded to the best individual player NOEL WELLMAN during the regular season. 3rd hole - 31 March 2023 - Page 42 -
MAKK CUP TEAMS INTERCLUB EVENTS Royal Adelaide 7 matches to 2 matches. In the most recent event played outside of the official reporting period, Royal Adelaide With COVID-19 restrictions well behind us, all interclub events were defeated Kooyonga 5 matches to 4 at Royal Adelaide. played during the 2022/23 reporting period. In the 2022 Pauline Sanderson Bowl at Glenelg, our team of 9 Royal Adelaide narrowly defeated Kooyonga 13 matches to 12 to women lost 6.5 matches to 2.5. The event was started in honour win the Cargie for the second consecutive year when the event of Pauline Sanderson who has been a member of both Kooyonga was played in October 2022. Unfortunately, we only squared (joined in 1951) & Glenelg (joined in 1945). Pauline is a Life the matches at home, which wasn’t enough to bring the trophy Member of Kooyonga and was inducted into the SA Golf Hall of back home. The event is always played with great enthusiasm, Fame in 2012. sportsmanship and respect for both Clubs and is a highlight for many male members in the annual golfing calendar. Kooyonga defeated Grange 5.5 matches to 3.5 matches in the 2022 Joyce Goldfinch Trophy played at Grange. The event was The Airport Challenge versus Glenelg was another close encounter first played in 1997 and was instigated to provide match play when played in March 2023. Fortunately, we won back the trophy experience for players with handicaps between 19 and 28, so they by the barest of margins, winning with a countback after both could improve to become Pennant players. The trophy was donated teams were tied on 3 matches each. The winner was decided by the by Di Bruer, Honorary Social Member of Kooyonga, in memory of number of holes won across the matches, with Kooyonga declared her mother Joyce Goldfinch who was a member of Kooyonga for the winner by 8 Holes to 3 Holes. 56 years and a Past Women’s Captain (1965-66) as well as a Past Women’s President (1966-69). In the Liz Jackson Challenge, the annual women’s event against Kingston Heath, we finally had the opportunity to play the event The MAKK Cup, an interclub event played against representatives after a hiatus of 2 years with the last Challenge being held at from Metropolitan, Lake Karrinyup, The Australian and Kooyonga Kooyonga in November 2019 when we won the rose bowl trophy was played at Metropolitan Golf Club in late March 2023. This for the 8th out of a total of 11 events played between our two annual event has been on hold since 2019 due to COVID-19, so clubs. Our team of 20 women headed to Kingston Heath in was a great opportunity to renew friendships and share ideas November 2022, but unfortunately were unable to retain the between Clubs. The Kooyonga team performed extremely well, but trophy, with the Kingston Heath team too strong at home. just fell short of the home team of Metropolitan, finishing second overall with a score of 443, just 4 stableford points behind. In the Men’s Kingston Heath Challenge, our team of 12 players failed to retain the trophy as the visiting team playing at Kingston Each year we send teams to participate in the Men’s and Women’s Heath. This was the 22nd playing of the event and unfortunately Barwon Heads Invitational Challenge events, bringing together Kooyonga were beaten by Kingston Heath in keeping with tradition teams of 4 representatives from many of our reciprocal Clubs of the away side never winning away from home. Both Club’s now around the country as well as a number of other leading clubs. have 11 wins each! While it was disappointing not to bring home While our teams were not successful in the events held in the the trophy, the weekend helped strengthen the camaraderie and 2022 year, our Men’s team of Crawford Giles, Michael Gilroy, Bob spirit between our two Club’s. Brooke and Geoff Brennan recently returned from the 2023 event. I am pleased to report that the team won the 3 day event with a We hosted 9 of Royal Adelaide’s women for the Cudmore Cup combined score of 332, one shot clear of Royal Auckland & Grange Challenge in April 2022. This historic Handicap Match Play in second place. Geoff Brennan won the Individual ‘Kent & Dion competition played between Kooyonga & Royal Adelaide was first Crawford Memorial Trophy’ event. As in other interclub events, the played in 1926. Well done to our Kooyonga team who defeated event was played in wonderful spirits. LIZ JACKSON CHALLENGE
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Match INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS A number of our members qualified for the South Australian Kooyonga has had several juniors with impressive individual Amateur Championship played at Tanunda Pines Golf Club performances across the 2022/23 reporting year. Imogen in October; Joe Hodgson, Freddie Cassell, Kyle Hayter, Jessen has had a successful start to 2023 winning the SA Ben Darsow, Jaime Hards and Matilda Miels. Special Junior Masters held at Royal Adelaide, shooting 3 under acknowledgement goes to Joe Hodgson who won the SA across 3 rounds of golf, and two Women’s Vardons (The Medal as the men’s leading qualifier in the SA Amateur but Vines and Tanunda Pines). Josh Grundel also has had a unfortunately narrowly lost 3 and 2 to Jack Buchanan of strong start to the season winning two of the three junior Glenelg in Friday afternoon’s final. opens held across the summer and Jaime Hards won the Well done to Matilda Miels who made it through to the final Junior Vardon held at Flagstaff Hill. round of the Victorian Open played in February. Matilda During the reporting year a number of our members have played the qualifier shooting -1, T2nd, to then shooting represented South Australia at national level. The Interstate scores of +1, +3 for first 2 rounds at the Vic Open, making Series was competed for at Sorrento Golf Club in May the first cut at T47th. She then had -1 round 3, (total of 3 2022 with both Kyle Hayter and Matilda Miels making the over) making the second cut at T30th. Finally she made mixed gender team consisting of 4 men and 4 women. The round 4 with +6 in 40km winds finishing T30 (total of +9) Men’s team won the national trophy for the first time in 39 for her first big pro event as an amateur. years and the combined team made the final and lost to Heath Riches, who only plays the occasional Vardon events Victoria on the last match of the day. Both Kyle and Matilda these days, returned to the course where he spent his junior represented the State admirably with excellent results days, with a win in the Flagstaff Hill Golf Club round of the against outstanding competition. State series. Heath shot four under to tie with the inform While the 2023 Interstate Series was held outside this Sam Earl (The Vines) and won on the first play-off hole. reporting period in May 2023, I wish to congratulate Kyle Congratulations to Richard Hockney who made a record Hayter, Matilda Miels and Imogen Jessen on their selection. stableford score of 53 points on Wednesday 28 September Imogen Jessen, Jaime Hards, Emily Giotis and Josh Grundel 2022; 77 off the stick, with a triple bogey and double bogey; were involved in the 2023 Junior interstate series whilst 8 four pointers; 4 birdies; 13 one putts (23 putts in total); Imogen and Emily also played in the Under-18 School Sport and 3 sandies. National Championships for South Australia along side Do Kim. Mia Luey represented South Australia in the Under-12 section of the School Sport National Championships. Imogen and Jaime also competed in the 2022 U.S Kids Golf World Teen Championship at Pinehurst with Imogen finishing 8th and Jaime tied for 36th place. MEN’S INTERSTATE TEAM IMOGEN JESSEN RICHARD HOCKNEY 2022 WINNERS SA JUNIOR MASTERS WINNER 53pt RECORD STABLEFORD ROUND - Page 44 -
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Match MEN’S PENNANT but with a washout, it showed the team in a shorter season Off the back of a successful year in 2021, the Simpson team how important it is to be ruthless and resilient when the was able to back things up with another outstanding year in opportunity arrives. 2022. We won 5 of our 7 minor round games with 1 loss and 1 Even finishing equal fifth and missing the finals we had wash out and finished top of the table for the second year in a a successful season. Throughout the year we played 5 row. debutants; Ned Looker, Tom Dolling, Josh Grundel, Will In the season decider we were up against a strong Royal Stratford and Charles Shaw who were joined by regulars Adelaide team at Royal Adelaide. The match was played in Brayden Jenke, Jack Speirs, Elliot Opie, James Percey, great spirit between the 2 founding clubs of pennant golf in SA. Matthew Ormsby and Phil Dewick. We also occasionally had The Kooyonga boys were able to get their noses in front early Geordie Golding, Geoff Brennan and Charles Shaw who also and held their nerve to record a very strong 5.5 to 1.5 victory. represented Simpson Cup and played important roles in their This being Kooyonga’s 35th Simpson Cup title. success. This shows the depth of resources we were required to draw upon during the 2022 season. The winning team comprised: Kyle Hayter, Freddie Cassell, Joel The improvements shown by the team was evident as the Durnford, Joe Hodgson, Heath Riches, Will Somerfield, Charles year went on setting up good options for our future pennant Shaw, reserve: Geoff Brennan. This year we used 11 players program which continues to be a key objective of the Bonnar across the season, with Josh Grundel and Jack Speirs making Cup team. their Simpson Cup debuts and Geordie Golding also playing Such success of our pennant teams does not come without some games. Once again we had 3 players (out of 7) selected plenty of time invested both from the players, coaches and in the Golf SA Pennant Team of the Year - Heath Riches management. Once again John Corbett took control of the (Captain), Geoff Brennan & Freddie Cassell. pennant training program and really had the boys up and The Club should be justly proud of this group. Over these last about at the business end of the season. John was ably 2 years we have played 18 matches winning 15 of them with supported by our coaching team of Peter Cooke, Jordan Kane, 1 wash out and 2 losses. They have represented the club with Darcy Salamon and Ben Layton. David Fraterman and Rowan distinction and this has been acknowledged by our opposition. Fielke provided valuable input and support to the Simpson The Bonnar Cup team experienced some early season Cup and Bonnar Cup teams respectively and David is to be hurdles making it a real learning year for a younger squad congratulated on being the manager of the winning Simpson including a narrow half in round 1 and a loss after 3 matches Cup team in consecutive years. A special mention also to after going to 18. We pushed the eventual pennant winners John Anderson who provided great counsel to the pennant management group both prior to and during the season. SIMPSON CUP 2022 WINNERS
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Match WOMEN’S PENNANT match season provided great experience and opportunity The 2022 Pennant season saw Kooyonga women compete for our younger players to go up against some much more with 3 Pennant Squads and a Cleek 2 team. Each squad experienced opponents which will hold them in good stead consisted of 5 players and reserves competing each week for next season. providing strong representation for Kooyonga. The Pike Cup team consisted of Jill Trenorden, Jodie Deacon, The highlight of the season was our Cleek 2 Team, who Melissa Nelligan, Lane Trenorden, Isabelle Tye & Linda Ferris. had a magnificent season, ultimately claiming the Cleek 2 Christine Hildyard and Jaime Hards also played in the Pike winner’s trophy in a wonderful final at Flagstaff Hill Golf Club, Cup, strengthening the side when available. Played in a 6 with many supporters watching and cheering them on. The team competition in 2022, we finished with 1 win and 4 Cleek 2 squad consisted of Leisa Thomas, Melissa Emmett, losses with many close matches falling the wrong way, but Cassie Heath, Helen Egar, Julie Brown, Megan Thredgold, team spirit was always high amongst players and caddies. Barb Clapp, Christine Walsh and Helen Moore with the team Women’s A3 Pennant on Monday often presents with the defeating Westward Ho 4-1 to claim their season victory. challenge of playing some club’s top players as they do not Their Team Manager Barb Rasmussen was just as excited for have Sanderson and Pike teams. The season started with the win, following her work organising and motivating her two narrow 3-2 losses, and then a 5-0 win at home against team to great successes. The celebrations were extensive, the top Mount Osmond side. Another narrow 3-2 loss, and a and the Cleek 2 team enjoyed the full week of celebrations halved match against fancied North Adelaide showed what from their Monday victory leading into the Sunday night’s a tough and even competition the A3’s were this season. Simpson Cup and Junior Div 2 combined celebrations at Whilst the team narrowly missed the finals, overall it was a Kooyonga. really strong showing by our A3’s including Penny Wark, Pip The Sanderson Cup team had a challenging season, with so Oxenham, Sandy Robinson, Barb Burnet and Miriam Van many tight matches not quite falling our way. It was a season der Zalm, supported by a number of our other experienced with lots of new faces, our younger players Matilda Miels, pennant players. Imogen Jessen, Emily Giotis and Jaime Hards anchoring the Each week all the managers, players, caddies and supporters Sanderson Cup team. They were supported by Christine were wonderful and competitive ambassadors representing Hildyard, Rachel Fry and our most experienced Kooyonga the Club. They invest many hours into both practice and Pennant player, Lyn McGough providing strong support playing and the Club is greatly appreciative of the effort put as always. Whilst we didn’t make finals, the very short 4 in by the teams. CLEEK 2 2022 WINNERS
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Match side suffered its first losses in 3 years going down to a strong side from The Vines in a close match at Tea Tree Gully and was beaten by Tea Tree Gully at Royal Adelaide but had opportunities to upset the favourites which gave us some confidence. MCMILLAN SHIELD TEAM Needing to beat Thaxted Park at their home course to qualify for the finals the team rose to the challenge with a JUNIOR PENNANT comprehensive win. The 2022 junior pennant season provided a number of our Kooyonga faced The Vines in the semi-final at Blackwood junior members with competition experience, many for the after successfully defeating Thaxted Park at their home first time. Representing Kooyonga in junior pennant were course in the final round of the regular season to qualify for Nick Fotinos, Malachy Marshall, Angus Marshall, Akira Huang, the finals and won that match 4 to 1. Facing Tea Tree Gully, Mia Luey, Olivia Giotis, Tammy Twiss, Tyron Howard, Hayden winners in 15 of the 16 times the competition has been held, Howard, Scarlett Parker, Ava Giles, Jacob Lewis, Sidney Kooyonga needed to get off to a good start to apply pressure. McDonald and Taylor Hards. Despite the limited exposure to Unfortunately, we were not able to do this and had to concede pennant golf our Junior Division 2 team reached the final, to a better side on the day but the experience against this narrowly missing out on taking the trophy by losing the last level of competition will be invaluable and the side should be match on the 19th hole. Our Sharp Cup team continued to really proud of their efforts. develop their skills finishing 5th overall, a great result that the Players to represent Kooyonga in 2022 were Bruce Lindner, team will build on in 2023. Gary O’Loughlin, David Schirippa, Richard Payne, Harry Moore, The McMillan Shield is a junior handicap match play Mike Smith, Lindsay Elliott, Ken Parker, Mark Kelly and Kevin competition established by The Grange Golf Club with clubs Phelps. The team was again managed by John Anderson. across Adelaide competing. The aim of the McMillan shield A number of Kooyonga members played in the 2022 Golf is to provide junior golfers with match play competition Australia/SA Senior Order of Merit series with Lindsay Elliott experience that will hold them in good stead to represent winning the Super Senior Gross (John Beaumont Trophy). Kooyonga in future pennant teams. After our 2022 success Lindsay was also second in the combined Senior/Super Senior winning the shield for the first time, Kooyonga’s McMillan section to cap off a very good season. The Order of Merit Shield team had a mixed regular season finishing 5th overall events age criteria for women was lowered to 50 for the with three wins, one half and three losses. season but unfortunately we had no representatives. McMillan Shield players were: Henry Keating, Emily Keating, As part of the series, the Grange/Kooyonga nationally ranked Scarlett Parker, Taylor Hards, Gabe Hedrick, Ava Giles, Teddy event was held and drew a number of interstate visitors plus Fabian, Leo Fabian, Sidney McDonald, Mia Luey, Tammy Twiss, one of New Zealand’s top players in Stuart Duff. Victorians Liam Wang. Greg Rhodes and Nadene Gole were successful – Greg Kooyonga once again participated in the MyGolf junior league winning this prestigious event for the fifth time. This event as “The Mighty K’s”. The program helps to introduce juniors now has perpetual trophies to recognise its significance. to competition golf with the two-ball ambrose format across This year was a particularly successful year for Kooyonga from 9-holes against an opposing team. The Mighty K’s finished in a Match Committee perspective. I hope members are proud 4th place this season with 2 wins and 3 losses. of the way the club hosted and competed in events, with the SENIOR PENNANT & ORDER OF MERIT fantastic Centenary events and pennant success proving Kooyonga’s Senior Pennant side faced the 2022 Season with to be memorable highlights. Kooyonga is a club built on a some apprehension knowing that the competition in Division strong tradition of competitive golf at all levels of expertise One would be far stronger than they had faced in the previous and experience and this report highlights strong levels of two seasons in the lower divisions. The first goal was to ensure participation and success across the membership. competitive performances and ensuring that we were not I would like to recognise the efforts of the Match Committee in relegated. providing valuable input as to the golf program to be offered In practice, Kooyonga were able to far exceed these lowly to members. Further I would like to thank the Golf Operations goals and made it to the Final. During the minor round, the staff, in particular Susie Mathews and Josh Young, who were integral to the successful delivery of the club’s events during the year. Geoff Brennan Chair - Match Committee
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE Competition Results MEN’S COMPETITION RESULTS STATE EVENTS WINNER RUNNER-UP Simpson Cup Kooyonga Royal Adelaide Bonnar Cup The Grange The Vines Senior Pennant (Div 1) Tea Tree Gully Kooyonga CLUB EVENTS WINNER RUNNER-UP Club Championship Heath Riches James Percey WS Shephard Club Medallist Kyle Hayter Joel Durnford ‘A’ Grade Plate Will Stratford Scott Duval ‘B’ Grade Trophy Chris Hildyard Eustratios Karahalios ‘B’ Grade Plate Ken Russell Dean Willing ‘C’ Grade Trophy ‘C’ Grade Plate Michael Camacho Bernard Bowler Club Senior Championship Club Senior Handicap David Rogers David Crotti Veteran’s Trophy Veteran’s Handicap Ian McDowall Gary O’Loughlin Club Foursomes Championship Club Handicap Foursomes Peter Hoffmann Ray Tanner Club Junior Championship Club Junior Handicap Harry Moore Ken Russell Monthly Medals Lynn Stewart John Holyoak Junior Summer Trophy HL Rymill Championship Geoffrey Brennan & Geordie Golding Greg Blewett & Jason Cocks Kooyonga Cup Bonython Medal Greg Blewett & Jason Cocks Greg Stirling & Philip Laity Playfair Putter TH Brown Trophy Jordan Percey Jack Speirs JW McGregor Cup Captain’s Trophy Akira Huang Jacob Lewis Anzac Cup Anzac Memorial A: Greg Stirling, Greg Blewett (2), Duncan Shaw, Geoffrey Brennan, Matthew Ormsby, Father & Son Cup FS Mann Winter Eclectic Craig Weckert, Kevin Phelps, Christopher Champion, Nicholas Reade, Malachy Marshall, Summer Eclectic Joe Plamenac Winter Four-Ball B: Graeme Thredgold, Christopher Wright, Eustratios Karahalios, Timothy Roberts, Summer Four-Ball Matthew Dowling (2), Jim Kiley, Garry Davis, Rowan Fielke, Anthony Timmins, Joe Mittiga, Greg May C: Ronald Goodwin (2), Andrew Boden, Philip Michael (2), Tim Collin, David Crotti, Bernard Bowler, Simon Burnet, Angas Hains, Scott Henchliffe, Trevor Hockley Kade Bryant (Glenelg) Wesley Hinton (Keperra) Sam Earl (The Vines) Harrison Burner (Glenelg) Simon Gallie (Glenelg) Hamish McLeay Andrew Boden Nick Sutherland Joseph Hodgson William Somerfield David Terrell Timothy Roberts Michael Ledgard Samuel Phelan John Holyoak Craig Mason Garry Johns Doug Dick Connor Williams Bevan O’Connor Brenton Howard & Hayden Howard Kym Duval & Michael Duval A - George Giotis A - Richard Payne B - George England B - Mitch Trenorden C - Jamie Summons C - Mark Jeffreson A - Christopher Champion A - George Giotis B - Tristan Oldfield B - Simon Lovering C - Colin Alexander C - Philip Michael Frank Templeton & Jason Cocks William Somerfield & Samuel Phelan Daniel Healy & John Butcher Ben Tucker & Matthew Lange
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