Leanne Pollard (left) and Eileen Smith have tasted victory in more ways than one. 68000 Picture: Donna Oates
By Peter Sweeney
THERE was 35 years between Eileen Smith and Leanne Pollard first winning it.
The “it” is winning the women championship at Drouin Golf Club and neither Eileen nor Leanne was happy with winning it just once.
So now both have won the club championship 10 times more since.
Leanne, 47, recently won her 11th club championship at Drouin – equalling the amazing performance of 82-year-old Eileen.
Mrs Smith won her first individual title in 1961 – and her last in 1985. Mrs Pollard first won the title in 1996. She had three years off between then and now to have a family.
“Yes, I was so thrilled to have equalled Eileen’s record,” Leanne said. “And, yes, I will be back next year trying to win it again.”
Mrs Smith came to Drouin in 1954 – a year before the club was founded. She is a foundation and life member, was the first secretary and a 25-year committee member.
Golf became a memory when she developed osteoarthritis and her husband became sick. She gave lawn bowls a try, because “the club was closer to home than the golf club and it was easier on the body”.
Today, the woman who was once so good at sport, is still a good sport – working voluntarily three days a week in the warehouse at the Anglican Op Shop.
“Unfortunately, I don’t play any more, but I’m so happy Leanne has equalled my record,” she said.
