The Club teed off its centenary celebrations by hosting a luncheon for current and past members on 5 May 2023; especially for those that have or still are pursuing their love of golf as a member for over 25 years.

The Club was host to 88 attendees who seemingly have a soft spot for the Cairns Golf Club and, although some have not played golf in many years, this luncheon allowed them the opportunity to reminisce and catch up with golfing peers from days of old.

The Club’s General Manager – Matt Bolton – was emcee for the afternoon and he took the attendees down memory lane with his own childhood memories of a young boy growing up in Woree collecting golf balls, and especially the slideshow where he visually showed the evolutionary changes of the golf course and its surrounds over the years.

The Club also welcomed Cairns Regional Councillor - Cathy Zeiger - whose short speech was warm and encouraging as she congratulated and thanked the Club for its longevity and community support.

The clubhouse was elegantly decorated in a native rustic theme with green and cream hues. At first glance, attendees were met with a beautiful native and rose floral arrangement, kindly put together by member Irma Morzone, and a colour-coordinated balloon arch gave the room a party vibe. Each table was adorned with a mason jar floral centerpiece atop hessian and greenery, and a commemorative pen and golf ball completed the look. A light lunch of quiche and salad was served, followed by a specially decorated cake for dessert.

Ian Schofield and Life member Mary Griffiths had the honour of cutting the centenary cake. Both became members in 1974 and 1948 respectively. An armchair chat with Jen Spilsbury heard Mary and Ian reminisce about their fondest memories of the club.

Memorabilia was abound as slideshows and picture boards were displayed and [dusty] photo albums were available for fossicking. We sincerely thank our historical committee – Maggie Conlan, Audrey Shephard, Gail O’Shea, and Bob Mulligan – for the hard work that went into making these available for everyone to enjoy. Seeing yourself, or someone you know in a photograph wearing golf garb or in a golfer’s pose, brings about sentimental memories of yesteryear.

Our photographer Jon Westaway was happily snapping away during the event and his photographs have captured today as history for tomorrow.

Feedback about the event has been overwhelmingly positive. We hope that Cairns Golf Club continues to flourish and celebrate another historical milestone in the future where the photographs will include some of your faces that will always be remembered.

Jane Johannsen
Cairns Golf Club