“This mighty feat is an outstanding achievement in its own right but they have done so much more,” Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club President Laurie Bridgeman said at last Wednesday’s mid-week dinner.
“They never fail to notice new developments or improvements and speak so well of our club and facilities, which they have obviously come to love and appreciate as their second club.
“Having shown exceptional loyalty over so many years. Graeme and Margaret truly are wonderful ambassador for our club.”
With a round trip of some 800kms to make the tournaments, the Grants would have travelled over 70,000kms over 40 years. And, as the president pointed out, to a memorial service in April this year in respect of their friend, club Life Member Alex MacKenzie.
It gave the club president great pleasure in presenting honorary membership to the Grants. Loud applause was given by the near 100 diners.
A lot of funny or unique situations happen on a golf course. For example, one year Margaret hit her well-marked ball into the water on the Murray Course’s Par 5, ninth hole. Playing the Lake Course the next day, she regained that ball from the lake on the Par 5, 14th hole!
“This is truly a surprise!” Graeme said upon accepting honorary membership. “Simply, we’ve kept coming back year after year because of the friendships we’ve made,” he said.
“I remember walking along the Murray Course during its construction. There have been so many great memories and loyal friends. You’ve all made us so welcome. I thank all the players we’ve played with over the years.”
Unfortunately, the 83-year-old former cheesemaker Graeme who celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary last month said many friends had passed on. He mentioned two locals, Alex, and Ron Smith.
“Alex was a great friend of ours and Ron did a stirling job starting the field – he didn’t need a microphone!”
Commenting on the May Tournament itself, then the Grants, Mr Bridgeman told diners: “Ladies and gentlemen, these occasions are very special. But sometimes they are even more special and this is one such occasion.”
