Paul Newman, Paul Kerrins and Neil celebrate with a toast at Hill Top Golf & Country Club’s 60th birthday.
Golf in Tatura had its birth in 1909 when enthusiasts laid out a four-hole course.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
In 1913, the club increased to a nine-hole course when it moved to an area of the Lake Paddock, the reserve on which the present Lake Bartlett and Tatura Primary School exist.
The next step was a 15-hole course on the eastern part of the racecourse, which it shared with the Tatura Racing Club.
In 1948, this was increased to a full 18-hole sand-scrape course.
Late in 1963, a property of 55 hectares on the north side of town, called Hill Top, became available.
It was undulating land, suitable for a golf course, with a well-situated house that could be converted into a clubhouse.
A special meeting in late 1963 decided that the way forward was a community club, and 15,000 pounds was promised in debentures to purchase the land from Ruby Ross.
On Boxing Day 1963, 28 people attended the first working bee to start the Hill Top Golf Club.
Golf architects Eric Horne (curator Medway GC) and Horie Brown (curator Keysborough) submitted a plan and were retained.
The fairways were sown in April 1964, and the greens planted in September of the same year.
The course was first played on in April 1965.
Much to the joy of many members, a liquor licence was granted on Tuesday, May 24, 1966.
The official opening of Hill Top did not take place until August 27, 1966, when, in front of a crowd of several hundred, Deputy Prime Minister John McEwen pronounced the course open.
Nine hectares from the perimeter of the property were subdivided into 97 building blocks, the sale of which enabled the club to repay debentures and establish a firm financial footing.
Volunteers started work in late 1965 to construct a seven-rink bowling green, with a second green added in 1972.
In late 1999, negotiations with the North Links Consortium commenced for a significant change to the course.
The-then 3rd, 13th, 14th, and part 15th holes were exchanged for the “new” Thomson, Wolveridge and Perrett-designed 4th extension, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th holes, and the Northlinks housing commenced with Brookwater Court.
What a great change this has made to Tatura.
In 1996, it was decided to lease the kitchen, with Gavin and Dianne Denis as the first lessees.
Since that time, the catering has oscillated from lease operations to club-controlled operations.
With new catering arrangements came the need to enlarge and enhance the dining facilities.
During 1999, president Norm McLeod led the decision and management of the construction of the dining room, kitchen and foyer, which he had the pleasure of opening on October 16, 1999.
The primary purpose of Hill Top is for the playing of bowls and golf, with the associated and added socialising and friendship and dining that goes hand in hand.
The honour boards in the clubhouse reveal those who have achieved champion status and have won major events.
Other honour boards show the names of those members who have volunteered to take responsibility for the overall operation of the club, along with those who have been judged to have contributed over and above expectations and have been inducted as life members.
Happy 60th birthday, Hill Top, and thanks to all those who have contributed to make the club what a great place it is today.
Dave Roberts
Hill Top Golf & Country Club president
Members and guests gather to celebrate the 60th birthday of Hill Top Golf & Country Club.
Royden and Lee James, Jeff Misson and friends celebrate the 60th birthday of Hill Top Golf & Country Club.
22°C