Centenary celebrations for Wellington Council golf course

Wellington City Councillor, Paul Eagle
30 October 2015

Festivities will be held tomorrow (Saturday 31 October) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of New Zealand’s first council-owned golf course.

Known by locals as the "goat track", the course is located on town belt land in Berhampore and is split in half by a main arterial route.

Labour Wellington City Councillor Paul Eagle says the 18-hole public course was based on UK and USA models to provide recreation opportunities for working class people.

“100 years ago, the council saw the need to afford Wellingtonians the same recreational benefits that they’d seen overseas. Sporting opportunities were limited back then – both men and women were encouraged to join.”

Cr Eagle, also chair of the council committee responsible for the city’s golf course, says he’s relieved the course reached its centenary milestone after a successful battle to save it from closure in 2010.

“There was a move by some to close the golf course – we quickly set up a working party with the Mornington Golf Club and got support from the local community and sporting sector to keep the course open. The results have been amazing.”

“Though not a golfer, I joined the club because of its diverse, multi-cultural and family orientated atmosphere where everyone is welcome.”

Mornington Golf Club, the club located on the course, has organised tomorrow’s programme which will start with golf at 8am for Seniors (men and women) and 10am for Juniors (girls and boys). An ‘open day’ begins at 1pm with a community “give sport a go” programme will give those wanting to try golf, bowls, Bocce and have a hit on the brand new driving nets. There will be stalls and displays inside that will include photos from the past 100 years and a Tai Chi demonstration from the club’s 90 newest members.

Club President Ray Tuffin said the turnaround has been amazing.

“Tomorrow’s programme is identical to what happened 100 years ago.”

“We’ve come a long way since 1915. We had 80 members 5 years ago with only 40 playing members. Now we have 450 members, a new clubroom and programmes like ‘First Tee’, a values based golf coaching programme.”

“Our proudest addition is that the club is now home to those with disabilities, we are home to Bocce and regularly host events for Special Olympics. We’re officially a community sporting hub now” says Mr Tuffin.

Cr Eagle will close the day’s celebrations at 4pm.

ENDS

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