WHAT is a course superintendent’s plan of action when he has a wish list for new equipment, including a much-needed turf cutter?
Well, in the case of Muree Golf Club’s super Robert Baker you casually mention it to a club member whose wife just happens to be a staff member and keen golfer.
That is exactly what Baker did earlier this year when his brief chat with Fern Berry paid dividends and got the ball rolling.
Fern thought a fundraiser golf day would be a good start and pitched the idea to then finance manager Sally Mitchell and the club’s new manager Jordan Jenkins.
When the green light was given, club professional Lee Akers was quick to become involved by agreeing to supply many prizes for big day.
“It was decided that a fun day was needed so a five-person Ambrose was organised with a mixed team members greatly encouraged,” said club director Bernie Roberts.
There was no shortage of golfers willing to participate especially when a modest green fee was set, which included a baked Sunday roast.
“Around 160 players turned up on a beautiful Sunday morning,” Roberts added.
“The golfing side of the day was organised by club pro Lee Akers and the most important job on the day, the drinks cart, was handled by Fern and Sally, who also organised a bacon and egg breakfast.
“Golfers from as far as the Central Coast joined in and everyone was impressed by the course and its condition.
“The course looked a picture, which is great credit to Rob and his golf course staff and the many volunteers who give freely of their time.”
The event ended with a packed clubhouse where stories of highlights and near misses were told, but none better than the story of the winning team – Harry Marshall, son Bronson Marshall, Simon Roberts, Ken Austin and Bob Funnell.
The winners provided one of the highlights with an albatross on the par-5 ninth hole courtesy of two monster hits, the first from young guns Simon followed by Bronson when his approach shot found the bottom of the cup.
Raffles were the order of the day with one generous visitor buying $200 worth.
Prizes varied from hats, gloves, shirts and golf balls right up to a set of bags going to the winning team.
More than $7000 was raised for superintendent Rob Baker and his team.
Not only did Baker get his new turf cutter, he also got 3 x Stihl whipper snippers, a seed spreader and aerator which were immediately purchased and put to good use.
“All-in-all it was a super day for a super superintendent,” Roberts said.
FOOTNOTE: Muree Golf Club is 27kms north of Newcastle, NSW.
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