An anniversary committee has been formed. It comprises club president Miggles Shanks, Brigit McIldowie, Terry Allan, Bill Allen and John Rouse, author of the book Links With The Past — a history of Poverty Bay Golf Club from 1893-2007.
Members have been notified by email while information has gone out to the public for past members to indicate their interest.
There is pre-registration to give the committee an idea of numbers. Registrations will be taken up to 10am on Saturday, September 15, for the 18-hole mixed ambrose, which tees off at 11am.
The nine-hole Sunday competition will start at 10am.
Poverty Bay is among the oldest clubs in the country but probably the only one that marked its 100-year anniversary in the wrong year — 1994.
Rouse’s book reveals that for at least 70 years, members believed the club was founded in 1894 but the founding date was actually April 27, 1893.
A plaque next to the club’s practice putting green still bears the incorrect date.
That inaccuracy aside, its 125 years feature many highlights, ranging from course developments to a new clubhouse to the hosting of many prestigious men’s and women’s tournaments and famous players.
It also helped produce some fine players and memorable personalities, including New Zealand representatives Heather Booth and Frank Gordon, and Frank’s younger brother Eric, a prolific winner of titles that included the 1965 North Island men’s championship on his home course.
The club was a substantial part of the social and sporting fabric of the city in its heyday but, like so many other sporting clubs, it is facing 21st-century challenges when it comes to membership numbers.
Those interested in being part of the anniversary should contact any member of the organising committee or the club itself.
The committee is also interested in any old photos it could use in a display.
