THE HISTORY BEHIND THE NAME

Toward the end of 1939 Kogarah Council committed itself to constructing the Beverley Park Golf Course. In 1940 Kogarah Diggers Golf Club was formed. Not only as a social golf club, but as a fund raiser and platform for returned service men and women to return to normality from the scenes of war.

The first meeting was held in late 1940 and attended by seven men, the first committee was formed that being :
President Frank Gordon
Secretary Andy Young
Treasurer Wally Riddell
Captain Bill Corry
Committee Jimmy Stewart, Arthur Bigg, and Harry Laurison.

Bill Corry was the instrumental Kogarah RSL member behind the formation and continued success of the Diggers Golf Club. Bill was hired by Kogarah Council to be their first club professional and went onto become one of the most respected sportsman in the St.George District.

From the very beginning to present day every Sunday morning sees the usual flow of 30 or 40 golfers meander around a course that in it’s early stages was nothing but a nine hole sand and shell course, and it took considerable time to find a wayward ball.
Current day it now boasts magnificent fairways and greens which we are only too happy to play on considering our predecessors’ options.
Gone are the days of putting a shot gun next to the driver to prevent crows pinching the balls (current laws now forbid this).
As one Tommy Liddle professed “I have trouble carrying tinnies let alone a shot gun and bloody shells”.

We now boast members from all ages including Mick King one of our longest playing members. Mick still turns up most Sundays after 42 years along with family of current and past members.

Although time passes ever so quickly our format has never changed, steeped in tradition we will continue as long as golf allows.
As our catch cry says “Daylight next Sunday Gentlemen”.

If you wish to join please contact the RSL on 9587 8533

Craig (Mal) Elson
President