Club History
In 1937, following the Great Depression, a group of 9 local businessmen met to form the Tewantin & Noosa Golf Club. Councillor R.T. Read was instrumental in securing 160 acres of land on the Cooroy Noosa Road for the sum of 25 pounds.
Five of those who attended the meeting each donated 5 pounds to purchase the land.
One of these men, Mr Laurie Elmer, a road building contractor brought in his gang of men and machines and cleared the fairways for free.
Minutes of the first meeting of the Tewantin & Noosa Golf Club. 27th July 1937.
The meeting was Chaired by Mr Laurie Elmer. Mr Elmer was widely regarded as the “father” of the Club. The Clubhouse is named “Elmer House” in honour of his contribution.
Mr Scott Murphy who was the Golf Professional at Gympie Golf Club drew up the plans for the layout of the fairways.
Together with Mr Laurie Elmer and his road construction crew they cleared the land to create the course we enjoy today.
Mr Murphy was appointed to the position of Gympie Golf Club Pro. in 1928. He died in 1999 aged 94 years ending a 60 year association with the Club.
Photo taken at Gympie G.C.
A game of golf was a good excuse to dress up. Mrs Olive Donaldson in the front played in the 40’s and 50’s and was Lady Captain for many years.
The first “clubhouse” was a lean to structure with drop down canvas sides to keep out the rain. The lean to was situated where the machinery sheds are today. Construction of a purpose built clubhouse commenced in 1955 and was completed in 1956 at a cost of 500 pounds.f
The lean to had a keg at one end and a primus to boil the billy at the other. Apparently the men would “get on the beer” and committee meetings could go till 3 in the morning.
Back row. Ella Bowden, Molly Dibney, Olive Donaldson, Mrs McShane
Front row. Ev Barber, Mavis Tedford, Daisy Ross.
The first fairway is in the background. Photo 1939.
The photo record and written history of the Club make it clear that women played an important role in building the Club. If you recognize any of these ladies please advise the General Manager to help fill in the photo history of the Club.
An early photo of members of Tewantin & Noosa Golf Club. There is no record of who is in this photo. If you recognize any of these gentlemen please let the General Manager know.
Mr Percy Harrison putting out on the third hole. (now the tenth)
Watching Percy’s form were Mrs Ella Bowden, Mrs Delia McAulay, and Mrs Molly Brain.
The Percy Harrison Birthday Event was held each year while Percy was alive.
Mrs Ella Bowden teeing off on the third hole (now the tenth). 1968.
Mrs Bowden was the first lady member to be honoured with Life Membership of the Tewantin Noosa Golf Club.
Mrs Bowden was the Associates secretary for 40 years and was famous for organizing concerts and the “Drag Balls.”
Sir Dallas Brooks and friends about to tee off. Do you recognize any of the other gentlemen in this photo?
The Club’s main Honour Board event, the “Sir Dallas Brooks Trophy” was donated by Sir Dallas Brooks in 1963.
He loved visiting the Club
arriving in his Rolls Royce
and having his chauffer caddy and tee up his ball for him.
He was much admired and enjoyed a distinguished
career in the military. He became Governor of Victoria
In 1949.
Sir Dallas Brooks 1896-1966.
1937
The original course consisted of 9 holes with sand “scrapes”.
1954
Converting the sand scrapes to
grass greens commenced at a cost of 50 pounds per green.
1968
Irrigation was installed to water the new
greens and tees.
1973
Sand Bunkers were built on the course. The practice fairway was cleared and a turf nursery established.
1975
The course was extended to 12 holes
1978
And then extended to 18 holes.
< – Pictures is Eunice Hooper on the first tee. 1939.
World War II Intervenes.
By April 1943 with so many men on military service it proved impossible to continue the Club’s operation.
There were no official meetings from April 1943 to mid 1946.
Meanwhile members’ wives raked the course and kept the newly planted trees alive with buckets of water.
On July19 1946, a meeting was held to reform the Club. Just three men and two women attended this meeting.
The first fund event organized by the Club was a raffle . First prize was a pair of geese.
The Golf Club was a focal point for the social life of members. Concerts and Drag Balls were hilarious fun. The bride above was Col Payne. Photo 1965.
Mr Allan Buchanan, Mr Tilby Richards, Mr Geoff Gall and Mr Eric Tickle putt out on the second green. Allan Buchanan was President of the Club for six years.
Voluntary work was crucial in developing the course. Here volunteers are preparing the 17th green for grass.
Photo. Date unknown.
The Jack Newton Celebrity Pro Am began in 1979 with70 Pros participating . Jack Newton was the Australian Open Champion that year. Many celebrities participated over the years including Bob Hawke. This Pro Am event was discontinued in 1992 when it was relocated to Twin Waters.
From Lean to….to Clubhouse
1937: The first clubhouse was a simple lean to with canvas sides.
1956: A purpose built Clubhouse was constructed by members for 500 pounds .
1966: The building was raised and facilities built in underneath.
1967: An extension was added and was painted by volunteers.
1974: A $60 000 modernization of the Clubhouse was undertaken and it was officially named “Elmer House”.
1982: The balcony was extended and further expansion was undertaken.
198? A kitchen was added and a new Administration area developed.
Major works were undertaken to add a new dining room, Administration offices, meeting room, storage and locker rooms.
2003 The Pro Shop was moved from under the Clubhouse to the new Pro Shop we see today.
The Club was not able to get Council approval to install a bar until a liquor licence was granted in May 1951.
Liquor was then purchased from the Royal Mail Hotel. In 1969 CUB installed a cold room in exchange for a 10 year exclusive supply contract.
The clubhouse was extended on a number of occasions to meet the demands of a growing membership.
The Clubhouse before the balcony overlooking the course and practice putting green was added.
Mark Tickle, Tewantin Noosa Club Pro for 25 years enjoys a reputation for giving members a helping hand to improve their game.
“Point your toe at the hole when putting”
Good tip Mark!
Photo from Mark’s scrapbook.
Two young guns of Tewantin Noosa Golf Club. Shane Healy and Mark Tickle.
The trophy is the Club Champion.
Did you Know?
- All members received a handicap in 1942.
- Official Club Championships started in 1951.
- The first official handicapper was appointed in 1961.
- The earth closets were replaced in 1969 when a septic system was installed.
- The first paid Secretary Manager (part time) was appointed in 1975.
- The “Tuesday Club” was started in 1975.
- The first Club Professional was appointed in 1978.
- Medal of Medals became an Honour Board event in 1981.
- The Club was incorporated in October 1983.
- In 1992 members voted not to swap the land at Tewantin to construct a new course at Noosa Springs.