Governor's Challenge Versus MGGC

The position of Governor of Western Australia has been an important figure in the club’s history. The club's constitution entitles “any person … who is the Governor of Western Australia” to honorary membership. The Governor was present at formal occasions that include the club’s Opening Ceremony in 1969 and the opening of the new clubhouse in 2001. There have also been social visits when a Governor’s Golf Team played at the club in the period 1970 to 1972, and again in the mid-1980s.

 

It is likely that these social visits resulted in the Governor's Challenge. This was a series of golf matches played between a team formed by the Governor of the time and a MGGC team. Teams generally consisted of 16 players each side, played in a 4BBB format. The days also included a meal before the match. Club newsletter extracts describing the Governor’s Challenge series include:

 

July 1978:

“The Governor’s (Sir Wallace Kyle) team were recently entertained at MGGC and the reports back to the Match Committee were that they thoroughly enjoyed a magnificent lunch but didn't relish the 5/2 loss.”

 

September 1997:

“… Governor Major Michael Jeffery brought his team to the Club … with Melville Glades winning the event … six games to one”.

 

June 1999:

“… His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery … visited the club …. with his golf team … Local knowledge prevailed with MGGC … winning 61/2 matches to 1½.”

 

December 2000:

“… the visit of WA’s new Governor Lt. General John Sanderson AC and his golf team. After a light lunch (the) two teams … of 16 players engaged in 4BBB matchplay with Melville Glades running out narrow winners 41/2 matches to 31/2.”

 

Some Melville Glades members have also been invited to form part of the Governor’s or his wife’s (identified as Women’s Golf WA Patroness) women’s team for other golf clubs’ events. Those people are Presidents John Strachan and Geoff Holmes, Ritchie Smith, Trevor Strachan (Newsletter March 1997) and Don Moran (Max Hannah personal communication) and Nena Katnic and Kay Beal (Ladies Committee Minutes 1994, 1995).

 

Newsletter September 1996 also describes a golf match between a team led by Her Excellency Marlena Jeffery, wife of the Governor, and MGGC Ladies. That was also won by MGGC.

 

All results of known Governor’s Challenge matches are recorded below, although the 1978 result does not appear on the trophy. A further two visits noted in Newsletter June 1994 and the 2003 Annual Report do not include a result.