Big Rock Golf Club

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates a way of life in a rural community. It
demonstrates the beginnings of the sport in Pingaring. It represents associations with identities and
the community of Pingaring.

Physical Description

Prior to the fettlers extension, 2 CBH portable toilets had been used. In 1995 the
former fettlers hut toilet facilities was demolished and a new section was added. The bar was
relocated within the building, and a children's room added.

History

In September 1954, a meeting was held to form a
committee to establish a Club and apply for land from the Lands & Surveys Department. The plan
was to establish a 9 hole golf course around the Pingaring Rock and water tank, above the Pingaring
townsite. Nothing eventuated at that time. In April 1955 another meeting elected a new committee
and again the interest dissipated. It was revived again in 1961 at a meeting which put a motion to
leave the golf course issue in abeyance.
In 1963 another meeting came to nothing, although by now the land had been granted. The land
included the camp site of the sustenance workers who constructed the water tank and catchment
area in 1931. Some remains of the cookhouse are located between fairways 7 and 8.
On the 14 July 1967, a meeting in the school teachers house formed a new committee who decided
to proceed with an 18 hole golf course, starting with the clearing and establishment of a 9 hole
course as soon as possible. Another 109 acres of land was required, and applied for from the Lands
Department, before mapping and clearing could begin.
On the assumption that the land would be acquired, the services of Murray Dawson from WA GU
were obtained to design the course.
In 1968, a cropping program was established on 100 acres of Bill O'Neill's property, to raise moneys
towards the golf club and course. O'Neill also donated a paddock, opposite the school house, for
use as a temporary golf course to be used until the course proper was organised. The new school
teacher at the time, Brian Wansborough, mapped out the course, and the farmers and their
equipment laid the greens, and so a course was established. The first Captain elect was Neil Baker,
and later the Associates Captain elect was Mrs Bobby Baker. The cricket/tennis club was used as a
club rooms. (The golf course and tennis cricket club rooms on the original site are included in the
Lake Grace Shire inventory records).
In 1969, clearing by means of chains pulled by bulldozers, was commenced, and many busy bees
assisted in clearing, burning, rock picking and removing mallee roots. Barley was sewn on the
fairways, harvested, and sold for club funds, then burnt and clovered. Fairways were marked out,
greens laid, and tees marked, ready for the first season in 1973.
There was no club house, so players to and fro-ed from the tennis/cricket club room until voluntary
work began the construction of the club house, which was built from donated materials with some
new materials. A successful tender resulted in the old Kulin school rooms, which had been the
venue for Sir John Tonkin's education, and the materials were used in the club construction. The
main club room and verandah were constructed and then the Pingaring Siding fettlers hut was
acquired. It was transported to the golf club on a frame supported on wheels and towed by a tractor
and located at the rear of the club rooms. It provided toilet facilities for the men and women.
In February 1978, the preparation of the final 9 holes began, and in 1980 Bill O'Neill officially opened
the 18 hole course by hitting the first ball off No. 10 tee. He was made a life member of the club in
commemoration of his assistance and generosity.
Considerable alterations upgraded the club house in 1996, mostly facilitated by volunteers, but also
partly funded through a program with the Kulin Shire. (1/3:1/3:1/3 program)
The club house has proved a popular venue for gatherings and celebrations in the Pingaring
community.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: intact or redeemable
Authenticity: Medium degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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