THE happenings at Scotchman’s Creek Golf Club would not make the New York Times.
The 110-member strong social golf club plays at Malvern Valley public course in Melbourne’s inner east. The club is made up mostly of retirees with an average age of 78 and six golfers in their 90’s. And it is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
It’s well documented that a lot of people who give up work struggle with the huge void retirement leaves in their lives.
Laurie Findlay (right) receives his Medalist of Medalist trophy from Scotchman’s Creek Captain Naresh.
In most cases, they’ve had their fill of work but miss the social connection that goes with having a job.
And there’s no doubt golf can play a huge role in maintaining good mental and physical health among retirees.
That’s why we love it when we hear from people like Paul Hart, the president of Scotchman’s Creek.
“Our competitions tend to be dominated by our slightly younger, lower handicap, longer hitters. But I really enjoy it when the not so young rise to the top,” Paul tells us.
“We have a member, Bill Milverton, 85, who had never won a monthly medal in over 26 years with the club. Well, not only did Bill win a monthly medal recently but he went on to win our Medalist of Medalist round. Our Captain of the “9 Holer” group, Laurie Findlay, 82, also won the Medalist of Medalist for the first time.”
Another great tale emerged when the club’s match committee recently decided to have a summer matchplay competition. It began with just over 30 members qualifying.
After four rounds all the “young guns” had been “relegated” before two players Richard Wearne, 82, and Frank Hayes, 96. faced off in the final.
Frank still plays golf two or three times a week and is the head chef at the club’s monthly barbecue held on medal days. Until recently he was playing tennis, too.
Two long-term members of the Scotchman’s Creek Golf Club, Richard Wearne (left) and Frank Hayes.
Our correspondent, Paul Hart, takes up the story.
“For various reasons the final of the match play was held on one of our Medal days, which just happened to be the Richard W medal day. Of course, Richard W could not play in his own Medal Day because he had to play in the matchplay. On our medal days we also have a ‘golden shot’ event where members buy a ticket for two dollars and half goes to our Camp Quality charity and half to a lucky member.
“Richard beat Frank in the matchplay but he also won the golden shot prize and presented the trophy for his own monthly medal. Frank was accepting of his defeat and as usual he cooked a great BBQ lunch for everyone.”
Hats off to Scotchman’s Creek and all the social golf clubs like them scattered around the country.
