Commonwealth’s Cliff – 99 years young  

By Judy Bull

Cliff Riley joined Commonwealth Golf Club in 1983 and “considers himself lucky to be a member of Commonwealth”. He loves the historic clubhouse setting and has always appreciated the architecture of the course. 

Cliff was a country boy born in Ararat in 1927, attending school in nearby Stawell. Cliff’s father was a good all-round sportsman who insisted Cliff grow up playing team games. This led to him joining his father, at age 12, in 1939, to win the Stawell Cricket Club premiership. Perhaps Cliff’s country upbringing and activity have influenced his continued energy levels. 

This remarkable man plays 18 holes of golf three times per week, always walking. He says he likes to have a purpose for his exercise. On the days he does not play golf, he walks his dog in the morning and at night, covering approximately the distance of nine holes each day. Cliff estimates he walks 70+ kms a week. And yes, he is 99. Cliff never worries about age – why would he when his mother lived to be 112 years old!! 

His lowest handicap was 16. He has achieved two holes in one, both on the par 3, 15th at Commonwealth. 

His playing partner, Andrew Linklater, reminds golfers that, “Cliff remains steadfastly loyal to the ‘men’s tees’. On some holes it is a real challenge for him. A keen gardener at home Cliff has seamlessly transferred those skills to the course, becoming the club’s undisputed authority on recovery shots from the garden beds and heathland.”

As Cliff has become wiser in his old age, he has adapted his game. His various playing partners watch him use his chipper with silky touch. 

Cliff Riley at 99 years of age, is still a regular at his beloved Commonwealth Golf Club.

However, as fellow golfer David Blackman points out. “For some reason, recently, he has become the unluckiest putter in the Club recording many three putts. Although he never swears, and is in all respects the quintessential gentleman, even he has been driven to a certain amount of muttering under his breath.” 

Women members of the club love being part of Cliff’s four. He really enjoys their company, however he does have a favourite woman player – Val Prince. 

Nearly 10 years ago Cliff decided to finally try an electric golf buggy. 

Blackman states: “Cliff is always willing to attempt new things, so he purchased a remote-control buggy.

“Not having grown up in the era of Mario Kart or computer games generally, this initially presented a few problems. His well-known tenacity has, however, overcome the challenge and we, as his playing partners once again feel safe on the course.” 

Cliff has been a regular member of the team of 12 Commonwealth golfers who play at Tocumwal Golf club each year. Started by Kerry Breen AO and John Grigg, they play for the John Grigg Cup. Cliff, who has proudly won the trophy on one occasion, has driven his Honda CR-V to Tocumwal for 15 years. However, this year at age 99, he relented and agreed to be driven by Ian Benjamin for the first time. 

Alan Moller also reminds members of Cliff’s recognised humility – this tends to prevent him from lingering on the subject of his personal life including being a wonderful sportsman. 

“Cliff is one of the most modest people you will ever meet,” Blackman added. “As a Western Bulldogs supporter, I was astonished to discover, after playing with him every week for eight years, that Cliff had been awarded three Brownlow points when playing for St Kilda against Footscray in 1952 – a Footscray team that included Ted Whitten among others. In all of those years he had never mentioned it.” 

At age 17 Cliff joined the Navy in 1944, working around the Torres Strait area and for two years based on Thursday Island. After the war, as a returned serviceperson, he was offered an opportunity to attend Melbourne University and Cliff went to Mildura to study for a year. On returning to Melbourne University Cliff was able to demonstrate his football skills with the formidable University Blacks. His potential was quickly recognised by the St Kilda football club. Cliff played in the back pocket and as a rover. He played for two years at St Kilda, continued his studies and graduated as an Engineer.

Very much a family man, Cliff is a proud father, grandfather and great grandfather of three boys and three girls. Members of his family love to participate in various activities with him. 

Cliff is a gregarious person who enjoys the company of his regular Friday partners, and equally, meeting and playing with new members.

He always hopes to see his tee shots soar up over the heathland and native grasses onto the fairway while trusting his favourite chipper to get him within easy putting distance. 

After his game he really appreciates the opportunity to sit down, relax and socialise with his playing partners. He very much enjoys the comradeship/fellowship within the club and the individual respect offered by members. 

Also, a Rotarian for 40 years, Commonwealth’s Cliff is a remarkable and a special person, held in high esteem by his fellow members.