Pymble Golf Club Celebrates Historic 100 Years

It all began in January 1924, when prospectors issued for the layout of an 18-hole golf course designed by two Scottish Born golfers, Dan Soutar and Carnegie Clark. 

Pymble has a strong competitive background, and in recent years has won the Major, Master and Junior Pennants. Successful Australian professionals Rodger Davis, Lucas Parsons, Peter O’Malley and Craig Warren all began their careers as amateurs on Pymble’s greens.

Outstanding Pymble members who have represented Australia include Bob Stevens, Kevin Donohoe and Tony Dight. Kel Nagle was appointed to the position of Club professional in 1951 and remained in this position for five years before resigning to become a full-time tournament professional. He won the 1960 British Centenary Open at St Andrews, capping off his career as a wonderful ambassador for Australia. 

Jason Atkins, General Manager of Pymble Golf Club, said it was a special day to reflect on the 100 years that have passed. 

“Our President gave a speech and shared some stories of how the Club was founded and some of the characters of the Club, and then hoisted the centenary flag,” Jason said. 

He said the Club’s centenary marked the ideal opportunity to action the direction outlined in their ‘2019 Strategic Plan’ and to take on a major project that had been in the wings for many years. 

“With the engagement of a new course architect, James Wilcher, the plans were revisited and redeveloped to provide a more comprehensive, and a far more attractive plan for the future,” Jason said. 

“This plan was named ‘Shaping the Future’ and provided the opportunity to address inherent issues such as bunker design and drainage, inconsistent greens and inadequate size of tees, without changing existing corridors of the course layout. 

“Over the last three years, the course superintendent, myself, course architect, and a huge team have rebuilt all the greens, tees and bunkers under some challenging conditions including heatwaves, COVID, flooding and material shortages. 

“The project has now been completed and the result is a superior golf course that will not only benefit existing members but will serve to attract new members and the next generation.”

Jason said Pymble was a consistently well-presented and picturesque course that was challenging for golfers of all abilities. 

“With competitions every day and a number of family events, there is something for everyone from the most competitive golfer to the social player. 

“We enjoy great camaraderie amongst our members which is fostered not just out on the course, but also back in the Club. 

“Our Club has a wide upstairs veranda and a large outside lower deck that provides striking views of the course, an ideal setting for members and guests to enjoy a drink, barbecue or dinner.” 

Jason said to mark this historic occasion, Pymble Golf Club had planned a series of celebratory events and initiatives throughout the year, including:

• A Six Hole Hickory Stick Event in June 
• The inaugural Kel Nagle Trophy in September 
• The Centenary Gala Celebration in November.

The Club also commissioned the making of a Pymble Golf Club Centenary Wine with wine maker Hugh Hamilton and have written a centenary magazine for the members commemorating what’s happened at the Club over its 100 years. The Club also has five members donating bespoke artworks for the clubhouse walls.