Wolston Park Golf Club - What a colourful history!!
Derived from information compiled by D. Henshall
(Past President 1984 and Past Captain)
The Wolston Park Golf Club was originally the Wolston Park Hospital Sports Club, combining golf, cricket, bowls and tennis. Wolston Park Golf Club was formed in 1961 by Dr. Clive Boyce, then Medical Superintendent and the late W.K. Hynd, a Head Male Nurse of Wolston Park Hospital. The first 9 holes were designed by W.K. Hynd and the late Norm Campbell, Male Nurse. The treasurer at the time was Bob Howard.
When first formed, the nine hole golf course was used only by hospital staff and patients. The Club was affiliated with the B.D.G.A. in 1970 and opened to non-hospital staff.
The 120 members, made up of staff and patients, used the facilities of the Gailes Golf Clubhouse, although there was no other application with that Club.
Wolston Park Golf Club was also built by patients and staff of the said hospital, again being a therapeutic activity. It was then called the Golf Sports Club for the recreation of staff, patients and relatives. In August 1971 an annual inter-hospital competition between three hospitals, namely Wolston Park, Challinor Centre (Ipswich) and Baille Henderson (Toowoomba) competed for the Dr. Noble Cup and the Dr. Ellerton Shield by the staff and patients (patients who played the game of golf were automatically made Honorary Members whilst a patient of Wolston Park Hospital).
The Dr. Noble Cup was presented to the best single event; the Dr. Ellerton Shield was for the best six players from a Hospital.
Also in 1971, the Club was registered with the Brisbane District Golf Association and the membership opened to non-staff members. The present officials of the Club being: Dr. Orme Orford (President), John Jenkins (Captain), Ray Whyte (Treasurer) and Doug Henshall (Secretary).
The first Club Champions and Mixed Foursome Champions were: Laurie Howard (handicap -3 ) for Members and Mrs. Patsy Daniels, (handicap - 2, wife of Dr. Daniels, a medical staff member), for the Associates.
A few discharged patients returned each day to work on the course, and received a nominal wage, which must speak for itself as a proven therapeutic area over the years.
The Clubhouse was situated behind the Wolston Park Hospital canteen, built with funds accumulated by the Club. The old Clubhouse has colourful history, firstly being a canteen at the Redbank Army Camp during World War 2, then shifted to Wolston Park Hospital and used as a hairdressing salon.
In 2000, Wolston Park Golf Club Inc. again moved Clubhouse because 'The Park Centre for Mental Health Treatment, Research & Education' required more land to accommodate their growth. WPGC took possession of the old sports club that had previously been underwater during the 1974 floods and developed it into their current Clubhouse. With beautiful views of the Brisbane River, the move has been of huge benefit to WPGC, with many functions booked based on the view alone. Members appear to be happy with the move also, allowing for a quiet wind down drink on the patio following a game of golf, and amenities and facilities that cater to their needs.
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