29 Jul A McLeod Memory: The Beginning of Pennant Golf
McLeod Country Golf Club has a proud history built on the dedication, vision and commitment of its members. While we regularly recognise the people who played an important role in establishing the club, it is equally important to revisit the milestones that have shaped McLeod into the thriving golfing community it is today. Sharing these moments not only honours those who laid the foundations for the club but also helps newer members gain a deeper appreciation of its rich heritage.
As another Men’s Pennant season begins, it is fitting to reflect on one of the most significant achievements in the club’s early history.
In 1970, McLeod reached a major milestone when the Brisbane District Golf Association (BDGA) formally recognised the club as a worthy golfing institution and accepted its membership into the association. This recognition was a defining moment for McLeod, providing male members, known at the time as Fellow Members, with the opportunity to represent the club in official pennant competition for the first time. The decision paved the way for McLeod to field its inaugural pennant team in 1971 and marked the beginning of a proud tradition of competitive golf.
The excitement surrounding this achievement is evident in the minutes from the Men’s Captain’s Report dated 5 November 1970. During the meeting, Mr Dalton proposed that Mr Koroloff be appointed as the club’s delegate to the BDGA, a motion that was seconded by Mr Featherstone and carried unanimously. Mr Dalton also expressed his commitment to preparing for the possibility of a pennant team the following year, stating that he intended to practise consistently and play with every member before February. His comments reflected the enthusiasm and determination shared by many members as they prepared for this exciting new chapter in the club’s history.
By the time of the Men’s Annual General Meeting on 19 November 1971, there was already much to celebrate. The Men’s Annual Report highlighted a successful year of Open Days, including the club’s first ever Brisbane Ladies Golf Association Open Day, held on 17 April 1971. Conducted on Digger’s Day, the event attracted an impressive field of 118 competitors and was won by K. Holmes from Ashgrove Golf Club. Later that year, on 17 July, McLeod hosted an Open Stableford event that drew 82 competitors, with G. Tippert from Virginia Golf Club taking the honours.
Looking ahead, the report identified the club’s biggest event for 1972 as the Reserve Grade Pennant competition. Although details were still emerging at the time, members were encouraged to continue practising for the opportunity to earn one of only seven places on the team. It was a reminder that representing McLeod was considered both a privilege and an achievement.
More than five decades later, the spirit captured in those reports continues to define McLeod Country Golf Club. The dedication, camaraderie and passion shown by those early members established a legacy that continues through every pennant season. As today’s players pull on the McLeod colours and represent the club in competition, they do so as part of a tradition that began with the determination and vision of the members who came before them.