Golf Forums - A Mothers Wisdom

 Hi Everyone & hello from Downunder.

I thought some of you might be interested in this little story about a mothers suggestion and her son's dedication.

On Cape Barren Island which is situated in Bass Strait, North East of Tasmania the Island is run by the Tasmainian Aboriginal Association and has a population of around 60 people & around 90 percent are Aboriginal.

Every so often they have a community meeting to sort out any problems that come up, and also ideas to bring the community closer, at one of these meeting in 2013,  88 year old Aboriginal elder Mrs Furley Gardner who was at that time the Islands oldest resident, suggested to the committee that a golf course would be a great idea & way to bring the community together,

Mrs Furleys son John was an avid golfer and used to play & work at Launceton Golf Club on Tasmainia's mainland before returning home to Cape Baren Island, where he decided with the help of 2 close friends, the three of them, who liked to be called the "Crusty Demons" started to transform a couple of large deserted paddocks into a 9 hole golf course.and fullfil his mothers idea.

It took many months and years of scrouging tools and equipment & receiving a grant of $1200 and at times struggling to get help from time to time but he and his 2 Crusty Demons persevered and to his and the Islanders credit.in 2015 the Cape Baren Island Golf Club came into being.

John Gardner also designed the golf club scorecards himself which I am one of the very few to have obtained one and very honoured to do so, I have spoken to John a few times on the phone and he informs me that his next goal is to turn it into an 18 hole course, They hold The Cape Barren Masters every December with highly contested crystal trophy up for grabs. There was a lot more information that I could have added but decided to try and keep the story short but interesting and I hope that I have succeded

I take my hat off John & his mother who has sadly passed away before she saw her son fulfil her suggestion.

Happy Golfing Everyone.

Scottish bob

 Great story Bob ,  

Are you going to compete in the Cape Barren Masters ?

Keep us informed when the 18 holes is complete.

Good to have someone like you on TSG, keep wiriting.


Kind regards 


Brigitte

 Hi Brigitte "Bonjour & Ca Va"

Thank you for your kind words and I love trying to find unusual & unique golf courses to write about.

Regarding playing in the Cape Baren Island I would love to particpate in it but I think it is highly unlikey as Jude and myself will be moving house in the next few month's and It will be to hard to get to Tasmania & then a flight to the island.

However I promise to keep you all up to date when the extra 9 holes are finished

"Merci & Au Revoir"

Scottish Bob.

 Merci Scottish Bob for your update.