Wyalkatchem Golf Club’s 100th anniversary celebrations went with a bang, with a new course record and a hole-in-one amongst the highlights.
Known affectionately as Wylie GC by locals, the central Wheatbelt club was a hive of activity throughout last weekend, with glorious sunshine greeting the 112 golfers who lined up to compete in Friday’s three-person Ambrose competition.
The party atmosphere already in evidence was ramped up no end when Matthew Maitland (above left) created a piece of future club folklore, holing his tee shot on the 207-metre par-three 1st hole — the first ace recorded on that hole in the club’s history.
The gross winners on the day were Clayton Smith, Gillam Jones and Sascha Smith, while Dylan Jones, Brett Jones and Glen Metcalfe took out the nett trophy.
Community spirit was apparent in droves as an estimated 150 golfers, locals and visitors joined in the post-round fun in and around the packed clubhouse.
It was on for young and old at Wylie GC’s 100th anniversary bash
There were even more reasons for cheer the following day during the combined fourball Stableford tournament, where a 48-year-old club record was toppled.
Calingiri Golf Club’s Gillam Jones scorched round Wylie GC in just 68 blows to shave a stroke off the course record that has stood since 1978.
More than 100 people filled the clubhouse for day two’s awards and presentations, including life members Robert Hammond, Lyn Jones and Lola Maitland.
Wyalkatchem GC President Paul Trenordan hailed the positive community vibes in evidence throughout the club’s big weekend.
“The club committee would like to extend our most sincere thanks to the Wyalkatchem community, who came together and put on a huge show for our centenary celebrations,” he said.
“If we were to list the volunteers who spent time on the course, sent in casseroles and helped in any way, we’d save some time by getting the phone book out! None of this would have been possible without them.”
GolfWA Chief Executive Arron Minchin, who represented the organisation alongside Regional Club Support Officer Scott Ballantyne, added: “Events like this really highlight the importance golf can play in bringing regional communities together.
“This was a great celebration of all that’s good about regional golf in WA, and we wish Wyalkatchem GC all the very best for a long and bright future.”
