2004	2005	2006	2008	2009	2010	2011

The Golf Classic provides a corporate style day of golf and entertainment for members to network in a relaxed welcoming atmosphere with clients and colleagues. The Golf Classic has become an established and popular annual occasion on our calendar.  Now entering its 10th year, the golf classic is an Ambrose competition with over 120 players, many more attend the Gala Presentation Dinner afterwards.   After dinner speakers have included Chris Handy, Peter Fitzsimons, Jack Newton, Liz Ellis, Benn Robinson and Dean Mumm.

The inaugural Lansdowne Club Golf Classic was organized by Philip Keane at Castle Hill Country Club in 1999. In 2004 The Golf Classic moved to Terrey Hills Country Club which has provided a first class venue for this first class event.


 Lansdowne Club Golf Day, Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club, August 2011

One of the highlights of the Lansdowne Club calendar, the Golf Day cast aside any notions of superstition in its 13th year, delivering a AAA rating from all who participated.

Glorious blue skies greeted the players as they arrived at Terrey Hills Country Club for the traditional golfers breakfast – bacon, eggs, Irish coffee and a pint (or two) of Arthurs finest pick-me-up.

Well nourished, but with a few nerves beginning to show, some opted for a quick dash to the practice fairway and whack a few “drives for show” while others took advantage of the Terrey Hills Pro  and his master class in “putting for dough”.

As the 11am shotgun start beckoned, all were officially welcomed and, most importantly, advised of the latest rule change to our beloved comp. The Holden Scramble “elimination” was introduced this year, a rule that takes out the player whose shot is used on the tee-box or fairway (unless that shot has landed on the green, whereupon every player is allowed to putt).

The course looked great, in particular the new greens, though recent rainfall meant some areas were still quite heavy underfoot. Notwithstanding this, movement through the field was rarely delayed and all teams finished ahead of schedule. More Guinness, jokes and a few tall tales flowed before the four play-off teams were announced.

Once more, in the uniquely Lansdowne Club way of completing an Ambrose event, 4 pairs of players made their way to the 18th tee to shoot it out for the highly cherished reward of their names being engraved in history on the Waterford Crystal bowl.

Best Cellars held their nerve and demonstrated a quality of play and strength in depth that earned their place in the shoot out, to record a par in front of an appreciative crowd. In doing so, this very popular team secured a maiden victory in an event they have supported for many years.

The function that followed was just as enjoyable, with the Irish in the crowd easy to spot – their crimson “tans” glowed. One can only hope no-one had used a “sickie” to attend the day!

Lansdowne Club Chairman, Peter Brennan performed the MC duties, thanking the event sponsors for their invaluable support, announcing the winners and introducing our outstanding speakers for the night - John O’Neill interviewing Greg Clarke – with Greg sharing many wonderful stories and insights, not least of which his reasoning for predicting that Australia would beat the All Blacks (which they went on to do).

Peter closed the evening recalling that the other big rugby game  we are all looking forward to at the World Cup in NZ on September 17th between Ireland and Australia is played for the Lansdowne Cup, named in honour of both Irelands home ground and our Club. Last, but by no means least, Peter gave deserved thanks to Sabine Hochbaum for the wonderful work she did in making this yet another Lansdowne Club event to remember.


Philip O’Sullivan

Golf Classics