The Brisbane Golf Club - Since 1896.
Over 125 Years of History
The Beginning
A group of eleven met at the AMP Chambers on the corner of Queen and Edwards Streets, Brisbane on 4 November 1896 and decided “that a Golf Club be formed in Brisbane to be called The Brisbane Golf Club.” It was decided to ask His Excellency The Governor of Queensland, Lord Lamington to be the first President and to establish the course at Chelmer, between Honour Avenue and the river, upstream of the Indooroopilly Bridge. It was announced that upwards of thirty gentlemen had expressed a desire to become members.
On 12 December 1896 on a typical sultry Brisbane summer day, Lord Lamington formally opened the course only 5 weeks and 3 days after the foundation meeting. So began golf in Brisbane, capital of the colony of Queensland. Other golf clubs had already been formed in the provincial centres of Townsville on 4 January 1893 and Toowoomba on 26 August 1896.
The First Inner-Club Match
The first inter-club match was arranged for May when a party from Toowoomba visited.
In June a simple rectangular building set on high hardwood stumps in accordance with the prevailing distinctive Queensland architectural style of the time was opened. The original Club House still stands and is now used as a residence.
In July the committee approved the admittance of ladies as members on the basis they could play on Mondays, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays but they were not able to use the Club House. Brisbane players won.
The First Club Championship
The first club championship was won by Dr Robert Thompson, a leading ophthalmologist.
First meeting of the Lady Members and election of a committee – first use of the term “Associates” appeared in the Associates’ minutes of 13 May 1899.
Sub-Committee Established
As there was no security of tenure at Chelmer, there was a concern that residential development would eventually force the club off the “links”. In November 1899, a sub-committee was established to investigate and report on any properties that might be procurable for a new course.
First Queensland Amateur Golf Championships
Refusal of Colonial Secretary to recommend granting of prefix “Royal” to the club on basis it would only be granted in future to associations having national or charitable objects.
First Queensland Amateur Golf Championships (men and ladies) conducted by the club – won by members, Dr Carvosso and Mrs Cameron.
First Associates' Captain
Mrs Eden elected as the first Associates’ captain.
Relocation
In September 1903, authority from members was obtained to relocate from Chelmer to Yeerongpilly and the committee pressed ahead without delay. The major land purchase, 100 acres, was completed at £17 an acre.
Official Opening
Official opening of new clubhouse and course at Yeerongpilly.
Club's First Full Time Professional
Willie Thompson became the club’s first full time professional.
First National Title Win
Ernest Albert Gill was the first member of The Brisbane Golf club to win a national title when, at the age of 24, he won the Amateur Golf Championship of Australia at Royal Sydney.
Rules amended to provide for an elected captain – first occupant, W.A.B. Shand. Previously, an annual competition was held for the title of captain.
The Fire of 1909
The Club House was destroyed by fire during the evening of Thursday 29 July 1909. The cause was believed to be due to rodents gnawing on wax vestas (matches) left in one of the lockers.
New Club House
The new Club House was opened in 1910.
Oldest Ladies' Honour Board Event Established
The oldest Honour Board event for the ladies, The President’s Cup, was established.
QGA Formed
Queensland Golf Association formed under sponsorship of the club.
Joe Kirkwood
Joe Kirkwood, who the trophy for the Australian PGA, The Joe Kirkwood Cup is named after, becomes the Professional at The Brisbane Golf Club.
Michael Thomas Stafford
Michael Thomas Stafford became the Professional, a position he would hold for forty nine years, three months and six days.
Upgrades
Machinery Shed relocated from near clubhouse to present site near 4th tee.
Approval given to extending length of course to over 6,000 yards – first major upgrading since the move to Yeerongpilly.
First time sheet for Saturdays introduced.
Practice Fairway
Practice fairway area purchased.
First Queensland Ladies' Golf Championship
First Queensland Ladies’ Golf Championship conducted by the Q.L.G.U. held at Yeerongpilly – won by Dot Hood of The Brisbane Golf Club.
Host the Inaugural Queensland Open Championship
The Club hosts the inaugural Queensland Open Championship which is won by Sydney golfer, Harry Sinclair.
Dr Alistair McKenzie
Dr Alistair McKenzie, who also designed Augusta National, was engaged to advise on changes to the design of the golf course.
The Club hosts the inaugural Queensland PGA Championship which is won by Arthur Spence from the Royal Queensland Golf Club.
The Yeerongpilly Cup Established
The Yeerongpilly Cup was established and was for a competition among amateurs and professionals. The first winner was a local member, Stan Francis, who played off a four handicap.
Secretary Manager Role Becomes Full Time
After beginning with an Honorary Secretary in 1896 and making the role part-time paid in 1927, the Secretary Manager role becomes a full time job. Later, in 1987, the title was changed to Chief Executive Officer.
First Contested Election
First contested election for the office of president with the incumbent, Sir Edward Macartney, defeated by R.E. Nixon-Smith.
World War II Declared
War is once again declared and the committee immediately decided the course would be made available as often as possible to raise funds for patriotic purposes. The Red Cross Society, Australian Comforts Fund, Golfers’ Patriotic Fund, Queensland Ladies Golf Union War Chest Fund, as well as others, benefited greatly from these charity days.
Fairfield Road
The eastern section of the Club’s land was resumed to realign Fairfield Road to where it now runs.
BDGA
Club joins Brisbane District Golf Association.
Course Reconfiguration
The reconfiguration of the layout into two loops of nine holes occurs. From the outset and until then, the course was played as a straight run of eighteen holes – now described as the Championship Course.
The Australia Ladies Championship
The ladies have the honour of holding the first national tournament with The Brisbane Golf Club hosting the Australia Ladies Championship.
Position of Associate President established – first occupant, Mrs S.F. McDonald.
First Queensland Junior Championship
Nearest-the-Pin competitions introduced.
First Queensland Junior Championship, sponsored by past captain, George Mocatta, held at Yeerongpilly – won by S. Mackay.
A.H. Colledge
A.H. Colledge wins his 15th Club Championship, which still remains the most Club Championships won by an individual.
Membership Exceeds 1,000
Sydney architect, Al Howard, was engaged to advise on the course but only concept was obtained from his short appointment.
Total membership exceeds 1,000.
Australian Amateur Championship
Australian Amateur Championship held at Yeerongpilly for first time.
The Claiming Cup
The Claiming Cup, an annual competition between The Brisbane Golf Club and Indooroopilly Golf Club is contested for the first time. The trophy is a large pewter mug which is kept in the losers’ club house.
Flood #1
Most of the course was flooded in the Australia Day weekend floods.
Bob Nixon-Smith
Secretary Manager, Bob Nixon-Smith, retires; after 17 years in the post. Bob remains the longest serving Secretary Manager.
The George Mocatta Trophy
The George Mocatta Trophy is established along with the A.H. Colledge Trophy.
The Boyce Family
The Boyce Trophy is established to commemorate the contribution of the Boyce family to the club.
First Computer System
The club installed its first computer system which has been upgraded over the years to cover all aspects of operations.
The Brisbane Golf Club Inc
The Brisbane Golf Club became incorporated under the provisions of the Associations Incorporations Act.
Membership Exceeds 1,500
Total membership exceeds 1,500.
New machinery shed completed at cost of $216,500 – the third on the site.
The Queensland Open
The Queensland Open conducted at Yeerongpilly for record 18th occasion.
The Tennyson Room
The Tennyson Room was first opened and Tom Arnott, a club member, wins the Australian Amateur Junior Championship.
Celebrating 100 Years
The Brisbane Golf Club celebrated its centenary year and The Fairway is Mine written by Bruce Richter, was published. Other highlights of the year included the Centenary Ball which featured three marquees being set up on the first hole for 1,000 guests; the design of a club flag and centenary tie; and the club hosting numerous golf events.
Computer Generated Timesheets
Computer generated timesheets were introduced giving members quick access to information on handicaps, results, trophies and credits available.
The West Course
The West Course, a third nine holes separate from the main course, was closed to play.
Metal Spikes Banned
Metal spikes in golf shoes were completely banned and arrangements were made with the Golf Shop to have the studs changed over for a free set.
Brett Morris
Brett Morris commenced as course superintendent with ten years’ experience in golf course management at clubs in Queensland, Fiji, Iran Jaya and America. He had a Level 6 (highest) accreditation with the Australian Golf Course Superintendent’s Association, and whilst in the role, obtained a degree of Master of Agriculture (Turf) as an external student of the University of Sydney.
The Launch of Golflink
Golflink is launched, an Australian Golf Union initiative to have all the club’s handicaps on a national online database. The Brisbane Golf Club was selected as one of a number to trial the system before it was adopted Australia wide.
Murray Lott was appointed as the Professional. Murray did his apprenticeship at Royal Queensland and Royal Sydney, tried his talents on the professional circuits as well as caddying for the likes of Peter O’Malley, Stephen Leaney and Nick Faldo. He was named the 2006 PGA Club Professional of the Year and then won the 2007 Australian PGA Club Professional Championship.
Brett Morris resigned as course superintendent to take up a scholarship to study for a Ph. D in Turf Management at The University of New South Wales. His assistant Ben Cavanagh was appointed to the position.
Joe Janison
Joe Janison becomes the new PGA Professional taking over from Murray Lott.
A New Course Record
PGA Professional, Ryan Haller, shoots a new course record; of 65 beating the previous mark of 66 recorded by Lee Eagleton in 2004.
Flood #2
Brisbane was again devastated by flooding and at The Brisbane Golf Club, only the Club House and 10th and 11th holes weren’t flooded. It took 22 days to re-open the golf course for 18 holes.
The refurbished Tennyson Room and the new Jacaranda Gardens were opened.
The Green Replacement
The green replacement program to Champion Ultradwarf Bermuda grass commences.
Mitch Hayes
Mitch Hayes appointed the course superintendent of The Brisbane Golf Club.
Top 100 Golf Courses in Australia
The Brisbane Golf Club was ranked (and remains) in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Australia according to Golf Australia.
The Brisbane Golf Club hosts the PGA Legends Tour for the first time.
Geoff Kuehner appointed the General Manager of The Brisbane Golf Club (now CEO).
Holes Refurbished
Holes 2 and 8 are refurbished. These two holes are the last on the golf course to be converted to Champion Ultradwarf Bermuda Grass and the green replacement program is completed.
It’s confirmed that the Isuzu Queensland Open will return home to The Brisbane Golf Club in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Celebrating 120 Years
For the first time in 20 years The Brisbane Golf Club is ranked in the Top 100 golf courses according to both Golf Australian and The Australian Golf Digest.
The Brisbane Golf Club hosts the Australian Mens Teams Interstate Series which New South Wales wins after defeating Queensland in the final.
Cashless competition fees are launched.
The Brisbane Golf Club celebrates its 120 year anniversary at a dinner held in the Tennyson Room with 120 guests in attendance.
The Brisbane Golf Club hosts the Isuzu Queensland Open for the first time since 1991. Amateur Brett Coletta wins the title.
The Brisbane Golf Club is voted Queensland’s favourite golf course by Golf Australia Magazine and the fourth favourite golf course in Australia.
Queensland's Favourite Golf Course
The Brisbane Golf Club opens its new practice chipping/putting area adjacent to Hole 10.
Issy Simpson, at 16 years of age, becomes the youngest female to win the Ladies’ Club Championship.
The Brisbane Golf Club wins the Division 1 BDGA Pennant for the first time since 1940. Stephen Deane is the successful Captain.
The Brisbane Golf Club hosts the Isuzu Queensland Open on a record 20th occasion. The event is won by Michael Sim.
The Brisbane Golf Club is voted Queensland’s favourite golf course for the second consecutive year by readers of Golf Australia Magazine.
Phil Wikman becomes the 40th President of The Brisbane Golf Club replacing John Kelly.
Improves Course Rankings
The Brisbane Golf Club is ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Australia by Golf Australia Magazine and improves it’s ranking to No. 92.
The Brisbane Golf Club is ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Australia by Australian Golf Digest from and improves it’s ranking to No. 81.
Our ladies pennants team wins the Gold 1 BDLGA Pennant.
The Brisbane Golf Club wins the Division 1 BDGA Pennant for the second consecutive year.
The Brisbane Golf Club hosts the Isuzu Queensland Open on a record 21st occasion. The event is won by Jordan Zunic.
Remove Gender Playing Restrictions
The Brisbane Golf Club becomes one of the first golf clubs in Queensland to completely remove playing restrictions based on gender, allowing all Members to play golf at any time of the week.
The Clubhouse to ranked in the Top 25 Clubhouses in Australia by Australian Golf Digest.
The Club agrees to co-host the 2020 Australian Amateur Championships with Royal Queensland Golf Club in January 2020.
COVID-19
The Brisbane Golf Club co-hosts the Australian Amateur Championship with Royal Queensland Golf Club.
The Brisbane Golf Club is again ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Australia by Golf Australia Magazine and Australian Golf Digest.
The Club is impacted by a global pandemic, COVID-19. While the Club was only closed for 4 days it operated under tight restrictions for most of the year.
Mark Deuble becomes the 41st President of The Brisbane Golf Club replacing Phil Wikman.
The Club has its first female Vice-President in Debbie Kember who replaces Mark Deuble.
Celebrating 125 Years
The Club launches a new logo and announces numerous activities and events to start its 125 year celebrations.
Members are advised that a new irrigation system will be installed commencing in March.
The Club wins two awards at the Queensland Golf Industry Awards Night – Best Junior Program and Club Manager of the Year.
The new irrigation system is full installed by December.
The Club holds its first ever Spirit of 1896 Day.
An AGM is held to vote on Project Unity and the motion is passed.
David Mason from Metropolitan Golf Club, joins BGC as its new course superintendent.
Women's Captain
Janet Nathanson, is appointed to the Committee as Women’s Captain.
BGC is flooded again, causing the Club to be closed for 15 days. The floods only narrowly missing the heights of the 2011 floods.
Our Director of Golf, Joe Janison wins the Queensland and National Club Professional of the Year Award.
Our top men’s and women’s pennants teams both won their respective pennants in the BDLGA and BDGA.
BGC host a lunch to mark the centenary of the Queensland Ladies’ Golf Union.
Peter Castrisos is awarded Honorary Life Membership.
Equal Opportunity
BGC becomes the first Club in Queensland to sign the R&A’s Women in Golf Charter.
The Club is named the first visionary of the year winner for 2023 for its holistic and well-planned approach to ensure an equal opportunity for all.
Publications
One publication on the history of The Brisbane Golf Club has been published.
The Fairway is Mine: One Hundred Years of The Brisbane Golf Club of The Brisbane Golf Club. BRUCE S. RICHTER (1996)
The book has sold out.
*Refer to the course tour for further historical information, specifically relating to the golf course.