Reservoir Golf Club
The Reservoir Golf Club began modestly around 1930. The original location near Cheddar Road was short lived. The club utilised old train carriages as changing rooms. The larger for the men, the smaller for the women. The Reservoir Golf Club was registered in the Golf Association in 1932.
In September 1932, Reservoir Golf Club visited the Grace Park Golf Club in Greensborough. They were welcomed by Mr. Weaver the club president. Reservoir won this game. In December 1932, the officials of the Reservoir Golf Club and members of different teams helped with organising a ball for visiting English cricketers. The Reservoir Cricket Club hosted the team. As part of the festivities, they enjoyed a dance at the Reservoir Palais.
The official opening of the Reservoir Golf Club for 1933, was on 8th April at 2:30pm. It was performed by Club President Mr. H Marsland.
There was an annual meeting held in March 1934 at the Preston public library hall. Present were Mr. S. Richardson (president), Messrs May and P. Ryan (vice presidents), Mr. C. E. Glowery (honorary secretary), Mr. R. Simpson (assistant secretary), Mr. J. Lanigan (treasurer) and J Long, A Gibaud, L. Sparrow, A Jenkins, H. March (committee members). The club decided to purchase land to make a permanent home and an 18-hole course covering over 6000 yards. One hundred places were offered for people to be debentures for only £5. The course was laid down by Mr. Alexander, who claimed the soil and locality to be, “second to none” in Victoria.
Soon after, the club moved to a plot of land south of Dunne Street, next to Plenty Road. As part of this move, the train carriages were wheeled over the Darebin creek to the new location. This course started with 9 holes, with a promise of 18 holes. The official opening of the new course was set April 7, 1934, with the course being ready for play by August.
In late May 1934, a mixed foursome was played with perfect weather conditions. The best scores in order were – Mr. Glowery. Miss Payton 85-13-52; Mr. Simpson, Miss McKinnon, 74-21-58; Mr. Stephenson, Miss McKenzie, 77-24-53. The free lessons that were offered were so popular they created more times. The Club ensured the mowing was constantly attended to and were pleased that attendees displayed “top-dressing”.
In April 1935, the new nine holes were opened to the public. D. J Lack was the honorary secretary and J. Ryan was the president. Water was pumped from the creek to maintain the grounds. The club had grown to 100 members.
In August 1935, the Club held their annual ball at Preston City Hall. Guests included the Mayor and Mayoress of Preston (Cr. And Mrs. J. W. Adam), the Town Clerk (Mr. Ben Johnson) and Mrs. Johnson, Mr and Mrs H. Zwar and Mr. and Mrs Norris.
The club merged with what is now called the Bundoora Golf Club in 1957. In the 1960s, the area became the Golf-links Estate. The street names were themed around golf. There is Green Ave, Flag St, Golf Ave and Bunker Ave. Bradshaw St was named after Keith Bradshaw, the Honorary Secretary of the Golf Club.
Charity Golf Meetings. (1935, April 5). The Herald, p. 2
English XI. At Preston. (1932, December 2). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922-1939), p. 3
Golf. (1934, March 29). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922-1939), p.6
Golf. (1934, May 25). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922-1939), p. 4.
Greensborough. (1932, September 30). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922-1939), p.2.
Reservoir Club Opening Today. (1933, April 8). The Sun News-Pictorial, p. 20
Reservoir Club. (1934, March 23). Advertiser (Hurstbridge, Vic. : 1922-1939), p. 8.
Two Golf Clubs Hold Annual Dances. (1935, April 9). The Sun News-Pictorial, p. 46.
Some information courteously provided by Margaret Bradshaw.