A full-time club member for 53 years, Richard was a board director from 2015 to 2022, is a regular golfer who has enjoyed considerable success as a pennant player and winning the special Peter Macpherson knockout several times.
Club president Debra Eason acknowledged Richard’s tireless efforts in dealing with government departments regarding valuation of the Crown Land Lease to reduce and minimize rental increases, and further negotiations with the NSW Government to ascertain a reasonable value for the land when the club was attempting to convert the lease to a freehold for a subsequent purchase of the land.
“Richard is our water man - anything to do with water,” Ms Eason said.
“He has consistently provided advice in respect of the timing and price to be obtained for the sale of any excess water from the club’s water access licenses.
“He has negotiated on the board’s behalf, the sale and purchase of various high security and general security entitlements and bore licenses.
“These negotiations always resulted in the club being in a better financial position while maintaining access to enough water for the club’s requirements.”
Ms Eason referred to the time, some years ago, when Corowa Golf Club combined the three small dams on the eighth fairway into one dam.
“Richard provided the necessary equipment and spent some weeks working at no charge to ensure the dam was completed and leakproof,” she said.
Richard was stunned on receiving his award and thanked all of the volunteers.
“The place is very, very important to Corowa,” he said.
“I do appreciate the honour of life membership.”
Role model Marg
Board director since 2017, Margaret Playford continues to be a highly respected member of the Riverina Ladies Golf Association and the North East Ladies Golf Association where she has served as president and secretary.
She has represented Corowa in tournaments and pennant teams in local and regional competitions.
Marg was ladies’ president in 2005 and 2006, lady captain from 2011 to 2013 and serves on the club match committee.
Since joining Corowa Golf Club in 1991, she has encouraged junior golfers, been involved in arranging junior clinics and helped establish a Lady Beginners Program - some of those participants are current, enthusiastic golfers at the club.
Marg’s assistance in hosting the important annual regional tournament (Bowl), the annual Pink Day (fundraiser to support cancer patients and their relatives in Corowa district) and the Royal Children’s Hospital Fundraiser tournament has been obvious.
“Margaret is a role model, is inviting to guests, always complimenting the club, the course, its members and staff,” Ms Eason said.
“She displays passion, integrity and care in relation to all she does and communicates about the club.
“Margaret Playford’s contribution to Corowa Golf Club as a leader, supporter and role model continue to be exceptional.”
It took a while for Marg to respond and some attendees believed it was the first time she was stumped for words.
After some time, she said she’d like a Guinness.
“I feel so humbled; it’s a fabulous club with an amazing group of people to make it all happen here a success,” she said.
“They all work so well together; all the volunteers are just such wonderful people.”
Marg received a framed certificate of life membership, a bouquet of flowers and soon after, a Guinness.
Marg and Richard have a combined 87 years at Corowa Golf Club.
At the AGM, it was a unanimous endorsement by approximately 80 members of their nominations as Life Members.
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