This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the official commencement of golf at Wentworth Falls and it is felt that a brief history may be appropriate.

On 5th April, 1913 a prospectus was issued by the provisional directors of Wentworth Falls Golf and Recreation Company Limited, inviting subscriptions for shares in the Company. The purpose was to "purchase 45 acres of land to be cleared and to form Golf Links".

Purchase price as 35 pounds per acre or a total of 1575 pounds. Estimated cost of clearing and forming the course was 350 pounds. This parcel of land comprised what was the original 9 holes, and now includes holes 2 to 9.

Much of the work of clearing this area and getting the course into operation was carried out by members and it is a tribute to the planning and application put in during those early days that, even 70 years later, the most major change to this layout has been the amalgamation of two holes to form what is today the 7th.

In its second annual report, dated 28th February, 1915, the Company reported that plans had been approved for construction of the original clubhouse, completion of which was expected later that year.

This clubhouse was to be a spacious two storey structure complete with dining room, card room, log fires and a large glassed in verandah overlooking the course. Photographs exhibited in the present clubhouse confirm how well the building suited its position. From all reports the clubhouse, which was fully residential, was in keeping with its period and conducted very formally

Later a small bar in which a three penny (remember?) "fruit machine" was installed - was added to the billiard room.

During the twenties additional land was purchased or leased and the course extended to 18 holes. Land owned or leased by the company then was almost identical with that on which the course stands today.

About the same time, a large house on the opposite (southwest) corner of Blaxland Road and Toulon Avenue was acquired for use as a ballroom. This was later converted to "bachelors quarters", presumably when the more sedate members objected to the noise of the young bloods' bottle parties, after the bar had closed.

It should also be noted that during the depression and war years, play reverted to the original 9 holes and another generation of members were responsible for bringing the then "outside 9" back into play. Life was settling down nicely when disaster struck!

It is well known that the gracious old clubhouse was destroyed by fire in 1947. Unfortunately most of the old records to that time were lost and it has been largely by reason of the memories of many long time members (and associates) that a reasonable picture of those early days has been built up.

The fire of 1947 not only destroyed the clubhouse but, because insurance was woefully inadequate, very nearly wiped out the Golf and Recreation Company as well.

As finance was not available to rebuild the clubhouse, the "bachelors' quarters" were pressed into service as a temporary replacement. This "temporary" arrangement remained until the present clubhouse was opened in 1976.

A new "Club" was formed on 17th September 1950, some members making donations for furniture, kitchen equipment etc.

This club "Wentworth Falls Country Club" progressively took over the operation and responsibility for the "provisions for the game of Golf ......... on the Wentworth Falls Links or elsewhere.........." in accordance with its Constitution and By-Laws.

The "Club" offered in 1953 to take over the "whole control and management of the Links". The Company accepted this proposal and the club continued under a lease arrangement which covered the Links, Golf House and Plant. It did not include the old clubhouse site, which the Company hoped to sell separately.

The original lease payment, commencing 1st May, 1953, was for an annual amount of 900 pounds. In 1971 the payment was 50% higher at $2700.

The whole of the Golf and Recreation Company's freehold property was sold to the Country Club (by then an incorporated company) in December 1972, for the price of $175,000 which was the Valuer General's valuation and the Golf and Recreation Company was wound up on 1st February 1973  "having no further purpose".

This somewhat brief history cannot adequately record the effort put in by early members and those whose lot it was to gather the threads of the Golf and Recreation Club so as to facilitate its winding up and the transfer to the Country Club of its assets and responsibilities. Some idea of the research and frustration involved in the operation may be illustrated by two blocks of land in Waratah Road. These were acquired by the Company in 1924 but the titles were not transferred until 1972

It was about this time that the first moves were made towards building the present clubhouse. Planning took place over several years and much time was given by a "flying squad" of committee men who visited several clubs which had recently moved into new premises. Some regard, of course, had to be given to costs but eventually the clubhouse was completed, and opened in 1976

With the setting of the clubhouse several new tees and greens were necessary and, about the same time steps were taken to effect the blocking of Toulon Avenue and Pine Avenue, each of which was mapped as passing through the course. These moves were successful and made possible the construction of the 16th and 17th holes in their present form.

The present layout is such that major changes appear unlikely and the course continues to prove right the opinion given 70 years ago by leading professional, Dan Soutar, whose report in that original prospectus contained the following sentence:-"Altogether I think this would make a very good course".

Present day and future golfers have much reason to be grateful to those pioneers and the many volunteer workers whose efforts have made the course and indeed, the club what it is today.

The names of many of those whose time - and in may cases, money - were given so generously are well known, in fact many remain members to this day; however as there is no doubt there are many whose deeds would inevitably be omitted, it has been felt that in this inadequate history, no names should be mentioned.

Suffice it to say, our grateful thanks to them all.

For the Information of Members & their Guests