Clubs Tasmania
Clubs Tasmania has been very active in recent months, visiting clubs far and wide in different area of the state hearing valuable insights and concerns. During the last few months, we have visited regions like King Island and the north of the state. It never ceases to amaze me of hearing some amazing stories about the services of some volunteers and the wonderful work some clubs do for their communities. But one story that really caught our eye on a recent visit was the incredible story about Jess Harris, and how she is still playing golf at the young age of 99! Jess celebrated her 99th birthday recently, and fittingly, it happened on the green surrounds of her beloved Launceston Golf Club in Tasmania. Jess Harris plays up to twice a week at the club, has done for 50 years and, believe it or not, is still driving herself to the course.
“I’ve always liked it,” she said. “I usually play a good game, I’ve hung in there, I was always very determined. They used to say to me ‘you’ve got to get her out on the course because once she gets on the green… that’s because I used to be a good chipper and putter. “I’ll play while I can enjoy it. Some days I have a better score. To me, it’s a bonus to be out there. Every day’s a bonus. Put it that way.
“I enjoy the people, I enjoy the course, I know every lump and bump there is out there.”
One of our recent highlights was our southern Clubs Tasmania industry night. It was a great turnout and those in attendance heard from Independent member for Franklin and SFL president David O’Byrne, who gave a great insight on all thigs politics. We also had Simon Terhell from Community Liaison Sport as a guest speaker. CLS are available to support clubs, associations, and sports organisations to access Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) Sport Facilities outside of school hours.
“Clean living, good eating and a red wine with dinner,” is how she describes the secret of her longevity in the sport. She takes a cart – generously provided free by the club until the end of her playing days – rather than walking, and she is a regular at Launceston where she is a former women’s captain, committee member and pennant player. Mrs Harris, who is a grandmother of four, great grandmother of five and great-great-grandmother of one, said playing golf had preserved her youth and she has no plans of stopping anytime soon.
55 Tasmanian Hospitality Review Aug/Sep Edition
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