We would like to take this opportunity to thank all members who joined us in celebrating our Centenary year with a number of special events held from Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 March. One of the biggest highlights was to have the honour of hosting Mr Gary Player during this time which proved to be a huge success and special experience for members who were able to spend time with, chat to or hear from one of the greatest golfers of all time. Mr Player is a delightful man who is full or knowledge, experience and charisma and we’re sure he is the envy of most given his stamina for an 87 year old man! We thank Mr Player for the time he spent here at Kooyonga and are so grateful to have had him join us in our Centenary celebrations.
We would also like to thank our reciprocal friends who travelled from 18 clubs far and wide throughout Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom. It was amazing to have so many join us for this milestone event which only further enhances the camaraderie and friendships we have built with them. They were treated to a number of social events throughout their stay and also participated in the 36 Hole Reciprocal Cup which was played on the Friday and Saturday. Congratulations to Michael Barltrop on winning this event with a score of 60 pts. Michael won on a countback over Kerry Duddy, Paul Oneile and Michael Gregory. This event was also played in conjunction with our member’s Centenary Trophy challenge played over the same days and we would like to congratulate Will Hards on winning with a score of 76pts. Well done also to Taylor Hards who came second with 72pts and Kym Duval who came third with 71pts.
The Kooyonga Foundation Dinner held on Thursday 16 March was a night to remember by all who attended. Members were treated to a talk by Mr Gary Player who spoke about his career and personal life spanning over his 87 years followed by a Q&A facilitated by Ben Hook. The night included a special 3 course menu provided by our talented hospitality team and those in attendance walked away with some special gifts including a set of Gary Player signature engraved wine glasses and a Gary Player signature hat.
The weekend celebrations were topped off with our Centenary Gala Dinner with 680 guests including members and partners, reciprocal friends and special VIP guests in attendance. This was a spectacular event which will certainly be a night to remember for a long time to come. Event management and catering was provided by Out in the Paddock and we cannot thank Ray Dahdah and his team enough for such exceptional service, especially in regards to the presentation and delivery of food.
The evening’s entertainment began with live music at the pre dinner drinks with vocals and keyboard by Pina & Co Music. Later in the evening guests were treated to a surprise live music set by The Angels (Kooyonga member John Brewster-Jones), and then danced the night away with live music by The Flaming Sambucus.
The evening was emceed by the gracious and very entertaining Kerri-Anne Kennerley and included an entertaining and insightful speech by our special guest, Mr Gary Player. We were also fortunate to have Mr Dominic Wall, Director (Asia Pacific) of R&A toast to Kooyonga and present our Captain, Crawford Giles, with a special gift to commemorate our Centenary milestone. The evening also included a gift presented to the members by The Kooyonga Foundation; a painting by Tsering Hannaford of Rufus Stewart, our first Golf Professional. Guests were also presented with a very special commemorative video highlighting key events held throughout our one hundred years and capturing the true essence of membership at Kooyonga. We would like to thank Stuart Kerr who created the video and invite members to watch it by clicking the following link.
Kooyonga Golf Club Centenary Commemorative Video
In addition to those mentioned above, we would also like to thank AJ Sound for providing the AV requirements for the evening, David Brand and Stuart Kerr for photography and videography over the three days, White Marquee for providing infrastructure and event hire, 360 Spin Adelaide for the photo booth and the donors to the Kooyonga Raffle; Phil Hoffman Travel, Dominic Wall from R&A, James Thredgold Jeweller, Dream Diamonds (Adrian Zamel), Callaway, Specialist Air Management, Michael Gilroy and Crawford Giles.
The Centenary Celebrations could not have come together without the organisation and planning by the History & Centenary Taskforce and the tireless efforts of all Kooyonga staff from each department; Administration, Course, Golf Shop and Hospitality.
Lastly, we thank members who came together to celebrate such a milestone event. While Kooyonga is known for its championship golf course and world-class facilities, the members are the ones who bring together the camaraderie, friendship and culture of which we should all feel very proud to be a part of. Congratulations to Kooyonga Golf Club on turning 100 years in 2023.
Please click through to view the photo galleries from each event (over 2 pages – click next at the bottom of the first page for additional albums);