The Rand Golf Club has roared back to life after a three-year hiatus, celebrating the milestone by hosting its first Open Amateur for several years.
The beloved community golf course which had fallen into disrepair was restored to its former glory in just ten weeks, thanks to the efforts of a hardy band of volunteers and the support of Lawson Grains, a major agri-business in the region.
Ryan Sutliffe from Lawson Grains said the company had identified an opportunity to give back to the community by supporting the Murray District Golf Association (MDGA) in revitalizing the Rand layout.
“For us, it was really about getting people back into Rand and keeping the community thriving. Seeing the course and the number of players today is beyond what we imagined when we started this project.”
While the event drew 53 players including several well-credentialed notables from clubs across the district, to ensure this was an event for all comers, Murray District Golf Association (MRDGA) Officials awarded prizes across three grades as well as juniors.
Above: Before-and after images of the work undertaken at Rand Golf Club (click for hi-res versions)
Nathan Schneider from Thurgoona Country Club Resort, the current Golf NSW Men’s Sand Greens Champion, clinched the scratch title by an impressive four shots after carding a three under par 67 from his club mate Daniel Lee and Trevor Britton of Yackandandah on a countback (71)
The course’s transformation impressed Schneider, who hadn’t played at Rand in years.
“People were talking about the event, and I was keen to play and support the Rand Golf Club. They’ve done a brilliant job in making the course playable in such a short time.
“The course played beautifully; it was nice and dry despite recent rains, and the greens were good to putt on,” Schneider said.
Like Schneider, several others in the field were delighted with the course and its condition.
Andrew Hocking from Adelong GC found the course “short but challenging,” while Wayne Hannan from Howlong added it was great to see the event back.
Andrew Scott from Corowa said his motivation for participating was all about helping small clubs thrive and improving his sand greens smoothing technique up to speed.”
Supporting the Rand Golf Club and improving my sand-scrap playing ability,” Scott grinned.
The event’s success was also due to the involvement of Golf NSW and the MDGA, who sponsored the tournament.
Looking ahead, the plan is to maintain the course for regular competitions and community use, including by the local school. The positive turnout and feedback have laid a strong foundation for the future of Rand Golf Club.
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