Celebrating a Centenary of exceptional member contributions.
(Arthur) AO Barrett (Life Member 1931)
AO Barrett was an early member who joined Portsea in 1927 and served as President from 1928 to 1930 and again from 1934 to 1946. He made significant financial contributions to the Club’s development during its formative years. His generous support helped establish the foundation for the course improvements that followed.
Herbert Taylor (Life Member 1945)
A foundation member, Herbert served as the Club’s Secretary for its first 20 years, guiding Portsea through both challenging and prosperous times from the very beginning. His chartered accounting firm provided professional services to the club at minimal cost. Herbert’s dedication and expertise were instrumental in establishing the Club’s solid administrative foundation.
Tom Houghton (Life Member 1949)
Tom joined during World War II and played a crucial role in keeping the course operational during wartime. As owner of the Portsea Hotel, he provided essential financial support and was instrumental in connecting the course to the State Rivers water supply. His contributions during the Club’s most challenging period were invaluable.
Jack Relph (Life Member 1960)
Jack was a foundation member who grew up with intimate knowledge of Portsea through his father’s involvement. Jack served continuously on the Committee from 1945 to 1976, holding roles including Secretary, Captain, and President. He was instrumental in securing land for course extensions and remained a driving force in the Club’s development for over three decades.
Ken Boykett (Life Member 1969)
Ken served on the committee for approximately 40 years and was President from 1951 to 1972. During his presidency, he oversaw significant course enlargements and navigated the Club through various challenges. His long-term leadership and dedication, even while facing personal health difficulties, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Portsea.
The 1965 PDGA winning team: standing (from left): Doug Forbes (vice-president), Kel Garner, Jamie Relph, Roy Holbrook, Colin Watson, Ian Schlipalius, Leon Riley, Ken Boykett (president). Seated: Reg Weir and Col Colston.
Colin Colston (Life Member 1970)
Col joined Portsea in the early 1950s and served 20 years as Captain from 1956. He established a regular playing program and promoted inter-club competitions, becoming a leader in district social pennant events. His military background proved valuable in advising on land acquisition for course extensions.
Life Members 1991 – Grace Phillingham, the first lady member to be elected, with (from left) Jack Howard, Ralph Parry, Colin Colston and Max McDonald.
Jack Howard (Life Member 1970)
Jack worked for the club from the late 1920s and returned to the Committee in the 1950s before becoming course curator in 1955. Over the next 20 years, he oversaw two significant course developments from 12 to 14 holes, then to 18 holes, achieving remarkable results with minimal resources. His dedication to course maintenance and development was legendary.
Max McDonald (Life Member 1982)
Max was a loyal member for 50 years, joining in 1932. He served as Vice Captain alongside Col Colston and contributed significantly by maintaining club machinery and providing equipment for course extensions at no charge. Portsea greatly valued his practical support and long-term commitment.
Ralph Parry (Life Member 1990)
Ralph joined in the 1960s and became a key figure during financial difficulties, helping establish a strong social program. As Captain and President in the late 1970s, he was instrumental in establishing the Pro-Am, Foursomes Championships, and revitalising the Spring Tournament. His organisational skills and innovative approach to club competitions set new standards.
Life Members at the AGM, 1996 –(from left) Gerry Kivlighon, Ralph Parry and Syd Thomson.
Grace Phillingham (Life Member 1991)
Grace joined Portsea in 1952 and served with distinction as both Ladies’ President and Captain across three separate terms. She led the ladies’ involvement in inter-club competitions and organised numerous social functions. Grace’s leadership and dedication made her a natural choice as the Club’s first Lady Life Member.
Gerry Kivlighon (Life Member 1996)
Gerry served 17 years on the committee, including four years as Captain and two as President. He was instrumental in maintaining the Pro-Am and Open Amateur tournaments when they faced closure. His reliable leadership and willingness to tackle complex decisions made him an invaluable committee member.
Syd Thomson (Life Member 1996)
Syd joined Portsea in 1973 and later served in multiple executive roles, including Captain, President, and Secretary, making him one of only two members to hold all three positions. He also served as President of the District Associations for five years. Syd was instrumental in establishing the Open Amateur tournament and played a key role in maintaining the Portsea Pro-Am. His research and drafting of the Club’s history, Within a Bull’s Roar, preserved stories and valuable records for future generations.
The official opening – Peter Thomson and Club president of the day, Syd Thomson
Bob Dunball (Life Member 2011)
Bob served on the Committee for a number of years, with two as Captain. He was instrumental in establishing and organising the “Dad’s Army” working group for over 20 years, making it into a vital support for course staff. He contributed significantly to the course’s natural beauty by growing indigenous plants and trees from seed. His practical contributions enhanced both the playing experience and the Club’s community spirit.
Pauline Powell OAM (Life Member 2016)
Pauline joined Portsea in the early 1960s and served as Ladies’ President and Captain for many years, particularly during a period when the Club’s finances were consolidated. She took on the important task of researching and documenting the history of the ladies’ section in “Within a Bull’s Roar” when the original records were lost. Her dedication to preserving the Club’s heritage and promoting women’s golf was exemplary.
Portsea Women’s Captain Margot Bullen (left), with Tournament Secretary Maureen Downie and Portsea Women’s President Pauline Powell.
(Hayward) Taffy Richards (Life Member 2016)
Taffy joined the Club in 1987 and later served on the Committee for almost 20 years, including five years as Captain and five years as President. He was a strong supporter of golf, actively involved in the Pro-Am, the development of inter-club golfing events, and the golf program for members. In Taffy’s second stint as President in 2013/14, he oversaw the transition from the old clubhouse to the current one.
Jack Carr (Life Member 2019)
Jack joined Portsea in 1973, coming from an elite sporting background in Adelaide. He was the consummate Club man, actively involved in all aspects of Club life, particularly engaged in the golfing programme and inter-club golf. On the Committee, he served as Secretary and Captain. Later, a large financial bequest from Jack initiated the “Paths” project.
Norm Mallett (Life Member 2022)
Norm joined Portsea in 1988 and later served on the Board as Vice President and then President. He brought a strong business and financial background to his chairmanship of the Pro-Am, elevating the event within Victoria. In 2017, Norm was actively involved in the Course Master Plan working group and the early stages of the “Paths” project which led to the design and installation of cart paths across the course.
Keith Coghlan (Life Member 2024)
Keith was a long-time member of the Finance Committee, serving from 2003 through to 2019, with half of that time on the Board as Treasurer. He also served as Vice President and then became President for a period of 18 months. His strong financial and organisational background saw the Club through hard times and later, through the construction of the current clubhouse and the sale of club land. This was pivotal to the club we have today.