The Hallett Golf Club was begun prior to World War 2 and a 9 hole golf course laid out on the North Parklands. Initially, the club house was what is now the tractor shed on North Terrace.
In its early years the club was well supported and had close to 40 members, including Mr Bill Phin senior who was made a life member for his services. Another hard worker was Mr Fred Gaskell while members included Jim Prior, Ben and Stan Longford, Frank and John Sullivan, Arthur Wright, George Eyers, Allan Parry, Alan Siegert, Eric Blight, and Bill Phin junior. The Associate members included Sheila and Margaret Adams who won Week fixtures in Adelaide and later went on to become a State Champion when a member of Looyonga.
After World War 2 the Club lapsed until it was reformed in 1960 since when it has used the Tennis Club House as its headquarters. The Club's Associates group was disbanded in 1974 because of diminishing numbers and the Golf Club itself, is also slowly decreasing in members although there are several keen juniors. Keen workers and members in the second era of the Club's history have been Bill Phin junior, Bob Hill, George Williams, Brian Richards, Neil and Harold Prior, Ray Affolter and Colin Williams.
This phase of the Hallett Golf Club History was taken from the book -
HALLETT -A history of Town and District - published 1977 - page 60.
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Hallett Golf Club
The Hallett golf club, begun before World War 11, still maintains its course on the north parklands abutting North Terrace and the Recreation Ground. The old course of nine holes twice around had a par of 68, with the course record of 65 being held by the late Stan Longford. However, since its upgrade in 1988 when e were added, it has become more challenging. Par for the new course is 70 with the official lowest score being Mark William's 68. Existing trees continued to flourish wile more have been planted making the course aesthetically pleasing.
From the earliest clubhouse in the tractor shed on North Terrace, to shared facilities in the tennis club-house, the club has progressed to owning the solid, stone home on Lot 5 which it purchased in June 1982. This venture proved to be an excellent move with the final loan being repaid in December 1985. During 1988-89 extensive renovations and modifications were made to the club-house, which is situated on rising ground overlooking the course, making it an excellent venue where members can relax.
During the last 20 years, members have worked hard to maintain the course in good condition. It is burned and mown after summer ready for the winter season although the innovative move of twilight golf during summer proved successful. The blacks and surrounds are maintained by members on a roster system. To assist with course preparation the club purchased a mower in early 1995 and local publican, Peter Walsh, became known as the unofficial groundsman.
Financially the club obtained funds from roadside cropping and its big days, Kelly Bros Wild Dog 5000 held each August and its open days held on the first Sunday in July. Open days struggled for some time, even battling 'appalling weather conditions with biting cold, wind, rain and snow' in 1990. Subscriptions were maintained at a low level: $25 in 1988 rose to $35 in 1995.
Although the club's Associates disbanded in 1974, women have continued to play the course either informally or formally. Catering for open days was traditionally organised by the president's wife and her helpers – whimsically called 'The Golf Widows'.
Membership numbers have always been a battle although, by 1992, there were regularly 12 to 20 players competing in Saturdays Competitions. One of the feature events was the Longford Cup, donated by the late Stan Longford. In 1984 the strong field composed of H.Quinn, G. and M. Dare, R. Byles, B. Guthrie, L. Sullivan, R. Radford, J. Aylesbury, B. Lee, K. Marlow, J. Lucas, H. Krichauff, S. McDowell, R. Mudge, D. Brewster, S and B Pohlner, M. Fahey, L. Gotts, J. Blight, D. Hausler, and A. Hathaway. Other club members included R. Ashby and K. Thompson. Special charity days were held for legacy and red cross.
Club championships were contested at 3 levels until 1993 when they were reduced to 'A' and 'B' with the added boost of 6 new members, the club had a record field of 28 for the second qualifying round. Again, on 13 May 1995 the club boasted the biggest turnout for years when James, Ben and LJ Sullivan, C. and J. bright, S. Watts, L. Gosse, D Michael, M. Stolte, M Fahey, R. Monty, S. Lane, J. Hall, Al Murray, Angus Murray, E. Youngman, J. Coffey, B. Stocker, K. Marlow, G. Grace and M. Weatherall enjoyed the course.
The Hallett News always willingly provided space for the weekly golf news. In 1995 the pen of Michael Fahey the club's secretary contributed many a lively report. Rumour had it that Mick's pen was better than his putter. Some very quotable quotes from these reports:
The rest of the field didn't have such a good day with a few visiting the neighbouring paddocks to see what crops were growing.
...demonstrated his sheer power when his 9 iron decided to part in the centre as he was trying for a Birdie, Eagle, or maybe a Hallett Galah.
It was the best I have seen the local course in my sixteen years of travelling over every square inch of the sacred turf.
Slowly, but predictably, the weather turned sour and only mad dogs, Englishmen, or Irishmen, or women would play in it. The field who started the round dropped off like dead flies on a Shelltox Pest Strip and only the dedicated brave and crazy remained.
It is hoped that the club will continue for golf, 'that the game played with special clubs and a small ball,' has been a much loved part of Hallett sporting history.
Excerpts from pages 42-43 of the
HALLETT REVIEW 1977 – 1997
© 1997 Marlene Richards
I.S.B.N. 0 646 32180 3
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Stanley Longford - son of Ben Longford; able sportsman; won Club Championship of Hallett Golf Club when 16; twice Club Champion at Jamestown Golf Club; twenty-three times, out of twenty-five, has won the Burra Club Championship; top Pennant golfer for Burra Club; has won many Open Championships; good tennis player; winner of Pairs Championship in Hallett Bowling Club.
HALLETT -A history of Town and District - published 1977 - page 182