Heritage, family stories and a new practice putting green marked a memorable 130th anniversary celebration
On Friday 7 August, 130 members gathered on the Foundation Lawn to mark 130 years of The Brisbane Golf Club. The symmetry was fitting: 130 guests celebrating 130 years of golf, friendship and shared history.
The date carried special significance. Around this time 118 years ago, the course officially opened at its present home following the Club’s move from Chelmer, where Brisbane’s first golf club was established in 1896.
The program brought that heritage to life through historical reflections, family interviews and stories spanning generations. President Deb Kember opened the evening by acknowledging past Presidents, Board members, former Committee members, the Management Team and the many members whose membership has helped shape the Club.
Guests were welcomed with Forest Marie NV Champagne, freshly shucked oysters with mignonette, tuna tartare on crispy potato with caviar, and beef intercostals cooked over coals among the guests by chef Marco Trova.
Past meets future
A highlight of the welcome drinks was the dedication of the new practice putting green. The Clubhouse precinct has undergone a significant facelift this year, creating a more elegant and welcoming arrival experience.
The result is a larger practice green, new first tees and a refreshed precinct that respects the Club’s classic character while giving the area new purpose. Foundation Board Members Stephen Deane, Sue Lewandowski, and Peter White officially opened the newly named Foundation Green and unveiled new signage.
History in pictures
Members attending the dinner received a special anniversary collection of photo-stories compiled throughout the year. The booklet captures the people, places and moments that have shaped the Club, from members to surrounding houses, long-vanished guest houses and Camp Tennyson, one of the more remarkable chapters in the Club’s past.
The collection also features present-day members recreating historic photographs, adding a contemporary layer to the Club’s visual record. The evening acknowledged former President and Life Member Bruce Richter, whose book, The Fairway is Mine, documented the Club’s first 100 years in the 1990s. Both Bruce’s work and the 130th anniversary collection are available to members through the Club’s public website.
Generations of club life
Beyond the formal history, the evening celebrated the personal stories that give BGC its warmth and depth. Families with connections spanning several generations shared memories of social gatherings, competition, service, friendship and life on and around the course. View the photos shared.
Listen in:
The Gargett-Mullis family – Gillian Mullis, nee Gargett, shares 90 years of family history across three generations at BGC.
The O’Sullivan-McTaggart family – Jill McTaggart, nee O’Sullivan, and Ross McTaggart share more than 70 years of family history at BGC.
The Hughes-Fisher-Elsdon family – Joan Fisher shares 70 years of family history across four generations at BGC.
The Griffith-Deane family – Stephen Deane shares 70 years and four generations of family connection with BGC.
Dinner with style
The Tennyson Room looked magnificent, dressed in maroon and white table arrangements. Gillian Hirst and her culinary team prepared a memorable meal: giant mushroom and ricotta tortellini with velvet pumpkin, beurre noisette, Reggiano and sage; Tournedos Rossini with fillet of beef, foie gras, black truffle and Madeira sauce en croûte; and frozen mango soufflé with passionfruit caramel sauce. Kassie Tang and her team delivered the dinner service with skill and ease.
To the next 130
The final toast captured the spirit of the night: to the next 130 years of The Brisbane Golf Club, and to the members who continue to make the Club feel like family.
Click on the photo to enlarge.
