History

The Lancefield Golf Club was formed in June 1927, when the Club was granted use of land owned by Jack Linehan. The original course consisted of ten sand scrapes, and a modest clubhouse was built in 1928.

In those early years, golf was very much a seasonal pursuit. Sheep grazed the course for much of the year, and play was largely restricted to winter, as the grass grew too long during spring and summer. To protect the playing surfaces, each sand scrape was surrounded by a simple two-wire fence to prevent sheep from soiling the sand.

From Sand Scrapes to Grass Greens

A major turning point came in 1977, when the Romsey Shire Council purchased the land, primarily for its sand deposits. Council initially intended to sell the site; however, after extensive negotiations led by then Secretary Bob Harris and Councillor Kevin Tully, an agreement was reached that allowed the Golf Club to remain — on the condition that a full 18-hole grass green course be built.

As part of this arrangement, Council also gained a valuable tip site and, to help recoup the $80,000 land purchase price, portions of land along Golf House Road and Heddle Road were subdivided. The Golf Club was provided with a block of land on which to build a new clubhouse, securing its long-term future.

Building the Course

To finance the construction of the new greens, the Club sold 15 Foundation Memberships at $1,000 each. Club member Bern Shannon engaged Bill Edgar, a well-known Melbourne amateur golfer, to design an 18-hole layout in front of the clubhouse. Due to the location of the tip site, four holes were ultimately constructed on land across the road.

Construction work began in 1982 and was driven almost entirely by volunteer effort. Member Ian Mustey, along with his sons Stuart and Scott, used their extensive earth-moving machinery to excavate the large dams, form ten greens and tees, lay piping throughout the course, and install the diesel motor and pumps.

Dennis Connors used his tractor and blade to give the greens their final shaping, after which members spent countless hours raking and preparing the surfaces for sowing.

The irrigation system was completed by Jack Nicholls, who installed the sprinklers on the greens and tees and connected water to each green.

A Course for All Seasons

In 1984, ten grass greens were officially opened, allowing golf to be played year-round for the first time in the Club’s history. Over the following four years, a further eight holes were added — including the four holes across the road on land purchased by Council — completing the Club’s 18 grass greens.

During this period, all mowing of greens and tees was carried out by Ron Mau, who used a hand mower transported between greens in his ute. With the full 18 holes now in operation, the Club employed its first Greenkeeper, marking another important milestone in its development.

A New Clubhouse

In 1991, with approximately 350 members in attendance, the Club’s new clubhouse was officially opened by Councillor Kevin Tully. On the day, President Ken Ryan reflected on the long journey undertaken by the Lancefield Golf Club — a journey that had finally resulted in the completion of a fully established 18-hole grass green course.

Then … and Now

From its humble beginnings as a winter-only course of sand scrapes surrounded by grazing sheep, the Lancefield Golf Club has grown into the thriving, year-round facility enjoyed by members and visitors today.