At the 2023 Annual General Meeting it was a pleasure for those present to witness Greg Fitzhardinge awarded Life Membership of the Club. 

Board member Peter Boyne was on hand to summarise Fitzy’s extensive contribution, not only to Nedlands GC, but to the extended WA and national golf community. Having been involved in golf administration for some time, the list of tournaments and associations he has contributed to is extensive. Highlights are: 

  • Executive Director WA Golf Association – 1983-2011
  • Tournament Director Asia Pacific Golf Confederation – 2010-2014
  • Manager Handicapping – Part Time with Golf Australia – 2015-2019
  • Chairman WA Golf Association Match Committee – 1981-1983
  • Chairman of Selectors – 1981-1983
  • Member of WAGA Executive Committee – 1981-1983
  • Awarded Australian Sports Medal in 2000
  • Awarded the Recognition award by the WA Golf Industry Awards Council in 2016 for service to the Golf Industry

Tournament involvement includes:

  • Referee at all WA State Championships – 1983-2010
  • Tournament Management of all State Events – 1983-2010
  • Respondent to questions on Rules of Golf and Amateur Status – 1983 – 2011
  • Referee at Australian Opens (Men’s) 1982 – 2016 (34 occasions)
  • Referee at Australian Opens (Women’s) – 7 occasions
  • Referee at 2005 Open Championship
  • Referee at Accenture Match Play – 2001
  • Referee at all Interstate Series and Australian Amateur Championships 1982-2010
  • Referee at World Amateur Championships – 2004
  • Referee at Vines Classics, Heineken Classics and Johnnie Walker Classics held in Perth 1990 – 2009.
  • Referee at various PGA Events 1983-2019 including each Perth International and the World Super 6
  • Referee at Bonallack Trophy – 1998, 2000 and 2010
  • Referee at Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne – 2011
  • Chief Referee Asian Games – 2010
  • Chief Referee at South Pacific Games 2012
  • Chief Referee at Nomura Cup – 2009
  • Tournament Director WA Open – 1983-2010

It’s quite the list, but as Peter was at pains to point out in his presentation, the Nedlands membership could say “well so what?” It’s the level of expertise, as WA leading golf sports administrator, that has been of benefit to our club and Fitzy’s continual offer to help in so many aspects of the club. 

After joining in 1963 it is a fantastic coincidence that Greg is awarded this in his 60th year of membership with highlights at the club including:

  • Captain Nedlands Golf Club 1978-1979; 1982-1983
  • Tournament Director Nedlands Masters – 19 years
  • Pennant Player – 25 years
  • Pennant Captain – 10 years
  • Runner Up Club Championship – 1978
  • Current Handicap – 24 (Lowest Scratch)
  • Senior Pennant Captain – 2015-2023
  • Club Handicapper – 2020-2023
  • Provide assistance to Club Match Committees over many years with Local Rules, Rules Queries, Marking Course for GUR and OOB, Pin Placements for major club events both Men and Women, On Course Match Committee duties when required and compilation of News articles for major Club Events
  • Meritorious Service Award 2021
  • Care for Balcony plants and maintain decking etc

Upon calling for support of the motion at the AGM, Greg’s nomination for Life Membership was unanimously supported. Congratulations and just reward for your contribution over such a long period of time at the Club.