Thursday July 5, 2012

A TOWNSVILLE golfer made the 300km trek west on Sunday to support Torrens Creek Golf Club’s first `official day’ since facing its demise just a few months back.

He had such a good day he signed up as a social member and said he’d be back with `mates’.

Nine golfers took part in Sunday’s (July 1) Ambrose, which is a golfing team handicap event.

Torrens Creek Golf Club had only just reopened to the public after facing the prospect of shutting permanently earlier this year because it wasn’t insured.

A last minute membership and fundraising drive in May saved the popular club from its closure.

The 18-hole golf course was built more than three decades ago by two local residents Les Newland and Ronny Donaldson on the site of an unused race track.

Despite Torrens Creek only having a population of about 50, the golf course has attracted keen players from as far away as Mount Isa and Townsville.

Residents describe the club as a pivotal part of the community.

Club Secretary/Treasurer Ian Hanaghan said Sunday’s Ambrose was such a success that members had suggested holding the event on the first Sunday of every month.

``It was a beautiful sunny day, good sausage sizzle, and great friendship made the day perfect,’’ he said.

``The course looked an absolute picture on the day . . . the volunteers had chipped in to mow the lawn and are still continuing to conduct facility improvements.

Mr Hanaghan said the club now planned to start preparing for the Torrens Creek Open, which would be held on October 6 and 7.

For more information contact Flinders Shire Council Communications Officer Alexis Gillham.