Course of history

IN DECEMBER 1928, a privately owned course, known as The Lakes Golf Links was carved out of bushland at the present site of the Cardinia Beaconhills Golf Links.
The original layout of the course has seen evolution through the years but many holes such as the first, sixth and 14th are today played very much as they were in the 1920s and 1930s.
Much of the original historic clubhouse is still standing and in use today, complete with bark walls, granite pillars and posts cut out of local trees. The original granite fireplace is still in constant use through winter.
By 1940, after the Depression, the Colonial Mutual Assurance Company had taken over the property and through the war years was managing the ‘newly completed 18-hole course’ as a staff facility.
The name was changed to Beaconhills Golf Links.
After the war, Colonial Mutual decided to sell the golf links. At this stage, a wide verandah encircled the building.
The Beaconhills Country Golf Club was formed on 4 August 1947. When the club now plays The Founders Trophy, it is in memory of those first founding members.
Graham Kelly was appointed Club Professional in December 1975 and Mark Griffin, son of Tommy Griffin the local publican at the Pine Grove, started with him as a trainee professional, completing his time before heading off on tour.
Mark had started as a junior at the club, along with another Upper Beaconsfield local, Andrew Conn, who is now the hospitality manager.
In 1977 an extension to the clubhouse was completed and a full liquor licence granted. A second 18-hole course was under construction through the 1970s and early 1980s.
There was little rain in the spring of 1982 and the summer that followed was long and hot.
On Ash Wednesday, 16 February 1983 a late change of wind turned a 15 kilometre long fire into a broad front that raced through Upper Beaconsfield. Twenty one lives were lost and 186 homes destroyed.
It was a major disaster for the local community, with terrible losses. The members of the club rallied and did their best to help with the recovery process.
For many months, nine local families lived in caravans at the golf club, using the facilities.
In gratitude, The Phoenix Plate is still played. By 1984, 36 holes were in play-the original course known as The Hills, the new course as The Lakes.
Professional Graham Kelly and his former trainee Mark Griffin had entered into partnership in 1983 before the fires.
Since 2006, Beaconhills has been a 27-hole course. The excess land is earmarked for eventual sale.
Graham Kelly has also retired after 32 years’ service leaving Mark Griffin as the club professional.
In 2009 another professional, David Williams, based himself at Beaconhills as a specialist AAA golf coach.
Members’ initiatives have seen the office moved sideways to allow the clubhouse to be opened to the magnificent view down the first fairway.
The current day members are as enthusiastic about their course and club as were the first owners in 1928 and the first members in 1948.