Club celebrates a century of women’s golf

Albany Golf Club today celebrates 100 years since women were allowed to play at the club.

On April 27, 1916, Thursdays were designated ladies’ day and gave women the right of the links.

To commemorate the move, a golf competition and cocktail party will be held at the club this evening.

AGC women’s captain Marilyn Smith said it was a proud moment.

“We’re very proud to be celebrating this 100 years of women playing and it’s quite an achievement what the women have done over the years — we’ve come a long way,” she said.

“The club is really strong at the moment with female members, and we’re really looking forward to our celebration.”

Betty Gaze is the longest-serving female member, having been at the club for 62 years, Margaret Cummins has been on board for 53 years, while Phyl Branderhorst has worked at the bar for more than 25 years and has been a member for 44 years.

Val Crossley has provided secretarial assistance for 20 years and been a playing member for 52 years.

Margaret Killick is considered one of the great female players at the club, having claimed 18 club championships and 13 Lower Great Southern Championships.