GOLF.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18232, 18 July 1921, Page 4

GOLF.

OPENING OF THE SPRINGVALE

For many years Wanganui possessed two golf clubs, each of which nourished. Then came the Great War, and m Maroio’s membership consisted largely of young men. that club’s links were so deserted for the battlegiounds of Europe that the club ceased to exist. Since then the Belmont Club has presided the only scope for local goiters. The need for anotlier club was sorely felt, and at last some enthusiasts pro posed the formation of such an organisation. The idea was accepted eagerly, and history so repeated itself that the old Maroro links were secured. Jy deteriorated had the once popular golfing ground become, but the committee of the new club set to work with a will, and the official opening Saturday last—saw the links in reasons ably good order, and giving promise that in a short space of time they would be quite themselves again, whi’ h, as every golfer who has been over tho ground knows, means a lot. The weather was ideal for the open, ing function, and a big ciowd of ladies and gentlemen—members of the club and their friends—assembled to do honour to the occasion. Punctually at the hour appointed, the president (Mr.l. R. Foster), Mrs Foster, officers of the - club, members and visitors, gathered round the first tee for the purpose of declaring the links open. Mr Foster first read a letter from the club’s patron (Mr Robert Russell) regretting his inability to be present owing to absence from town, expressing his best wishes for the club's success, and enclosing a substantial cheque as a donation to tiio funds. The president, in a speech appropriate and happy, then spoke of tie charms of the ancient game of golf, emphasising the social pleasure and healthgiving promoted by it. He paid a tribute to Messrs J. Goss and F. F. Wills lor the work they had done in promoting the club, and said that Mr Goss Lad given up practically the whole of his time for several weeks past to assist in the preparation of the greens and laying out of the course. Mr Foster also commended Mr Bragg, the contractor, for his successful efforts to have the golf house ready for opening day. The president then called on Mrs Foster to drive the first ball from the tee, which, having accomplished. hearty cheers were given for Mrs Foster, the president, the Springvale Club, and “the good old game of golf.” Players very soon scattered over the links, to be recalled a. little later to partake of one of the finest spreads imaginable. The tables were laden with the best that the dainty hands of expert cooks could pro vide. This feature, which contribut< d greatly to the success of the afternoon, was provided by members* wives and lady members of the club. All present enjoyed themselves immensely, and declared the opening of the Springvale Golf Club to have be< n most successful.