WE KNOW OUR HISTORY
The History of the Ocean Shores Country Club, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022, has been divided into chronological segments that can now be accessed on the Club’s website. All segments feature details of annual general meetings and office bearers.
Histroy at ocean shores
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB
OCEAN SHORES COUNTRY CLUB: THE EARLY DAYS
This first segment refers to the very early days when the Club was a concept within the planned development of the Ocean Shores Estate, a project conceived by USA investors which included American entertainer, Pat Boone.
- References to the source of all the information accessed in preparing the History
- Details about the Heritage Committee and the people who cooperated in documenting the history
- A background to the Byron Shire and its involvement
- Details about the original plans for the Ocean Shores Estate
- A summary of the chronological development of the Estate, the clubhouse and the golf course
THE 1960s
THE 1970s
THE 1980s
THE 1990s
2000-10
The Beyond
THE 1960s
This segment covers:
- People involved with Wendell West and in planning the Estate in the 1960s
- A profile of the proposed Estate development, including several clippings highlighting Pat Boone’s involvement
- Several photos showing the Estate and the Golf Course under construction
- A copy of the first edition of the Sea Horse magazine in June 1969
- Information about the first golf course architect appointed, Bob Green
- An oral history recorded by Bob Baxter, who originally worked in sales with Wendell West in both Melbourne and Ocean Shores, where he has been a member since 1980
THE 1970s
This segment features:
- A summary of the chronological development of the Clubhouse and Golf Course
- A profile of the original course architect, Bob Green, together with his original course design featuring 10 par 4’s, four par 5’s and four par 3’s (later changed)
- Information about Von Hagge Barnes & Devlin, appointed golf architects in June 1970, changing the design to 6 par 5’s, 6 par 4’s and six par 3’s
- Photos of the course under construction and of the clubhouse from foundations to the completed building
- The background to how Tifdwarf grass came to be used on the greens
- Details about the formation of the Golf Club, membership and office bearers, including the first Club manager and first greenkeeper
- Oral histories recorded by Col and Vicki Loomes, Jim Mangleson (a founding member), John Govett and Ross Lumsden
- The early involvement of the Ocean Shores Community Centre and its acquisition of the Clubhouse and Golf Course from Princess Properties, which had succeeded Wendell West as the developer of the Estate
- The involvement of then Community Centre chairman, Arthur Todd a prime mover in the acquisition of Club facilities
- Development of the White House (now the Pacific Palms Motel) as an administrative centre and meeting place for club members and special interest groups
- How bowls came to be incorporated in the project
- The genesis of the lady bowlers
- A copy of the Club’s first annual report
THE 1980s
This segment includes:
- Oral histories recorded by life member and former president, Jim Stuart, former course superintendent, Barry Cox, and former stalwart members Ken and Joan Hanson
- A comprehensive list of flora, fauna and street names and their meanings on the estate and golf course
- A summary of the Club’s history from 1973 to 1981 prepared by the Golf Associates
THE 1990s
This segment covers:
- Images and text from the book: Great Australian Golf Courses by Tom Ramsey, describing the outstanding features-hole by hole- of the OceanShores Golf Course
- Extracts from a paper prepared by director John Bird on Strategic Policies and Objectives to be pursued in the future
- The saga of the Roundhouse and its role in the Estate’s development
- A history of the of the Ocean Shores estate, golf and bowls clubs prepared by then club chairman Arthur Todd
- The first 25 years of women’s golf, compiled by Joy Slater, with help from many associate
2000-10
This segment features:
- A return visit to the Club by Pat Boone
- An update on the history of women’s bowls by Jean Sorsby
- Former world No.1 Jason Day, then 16, wins the Schools Sports Australia Golf Championship played at OceanShores with a record score of 65
- The new front deck is opened by Life Member Jim Stuart
The Beyond
This segment covers:
- Details of the planning and installation of new bridges on the golf course
- The launch of the Heritage Foundation, including the first donation by Gladys Todd, wife of former Club chairman and benefactor, Arthur Todd.
our history
Current Board of Directors
Chairperson: Jack Daley
Deputy Chairperson: Peta Price
Treasurer: Stuart Brady
Bowls Director: Ray Linabury
Golf Director: Chris Hauritz
Board Member: David Small
Board Member: Dave Harman
Board Member: Steve Heptonstall