Sport
13 December, 2022
Lifetime of golf rewarded
KEEN local golfer and town stalwart Barry Cook has been rewarded for his dedication to the Timboon Golf Club with a life membership.
KEEN local golfer and town stalwart Barry Cook has been rewarded for his dedication to the Timboon Golf Club with a life membership.
Barry, who has been an active member of the club for well over six decades, was thrilled but surprised to receive the award at the club’s annual presentation day and nine-hole Ambrose event last Sunday.
“It (the life membership) was a complete surprise to me; I had no idea,” Barry said.
“I think I first started playing golf back when I was about 10 or 11 years old. A good friend and I used to ride our bikes out to a dairy farm about a kilometer out of town and play on what was then the local course.
“He could always beat me at tennis but I won at golf. I remember he moved to Melbourne and we lost contact over the years which was a shame; but that’s life.”
Barry has built up countless friendships during his years on the greens, not just at Timboon but all over the western district and beyond.
“The Timboon course is carved out of natural bush and looks just spectacular. We’re so lucky to have that in our town and it’s something we’re all very proud of,” Barry said.
“My wife Cheryl used to play in the early days of our marriage, but not anymore; I think I must have worn her out.”
Over the years Barry has held various positions within the Timboon club, including president, captain, vice-captain and general committee member.
He is also a past president of the Corangamite District Golf Association and was a championship winner 15 times “until one of our youngsters, Alistair Gillan, beat me”.
Barry was also an integral part of the Timboon club’s co-operative which helped with the course and clubroom developments.
“Our original clubhouse was relocated and utilised by the Scotts Creek Pony Club over the years,” he said.
“Back in the early days I played off a handicap of four when I was at my best – nowadays its more like about 20; I think that reflects the gap between the years.”
Today Barry enjoys a round every Saturday as well as Thursday afternoons “when I can”.
“Six months ago we couldn’t walk around the course because it was too wet, but fortunately it’s now playable. The rain needs to be almost bucketing down for many of us to stop,” Barry said.
“But it’s not just about the competition, or the golf itself, it’s more about the friendships made and the social aspect of the game.”