2015 J. J. Paine Event

In the two weeks leading up to the 2015 J. J. Paine Event, R.A.A.F. Richmond – parts of which are less than a kilometre from the Windsor Country Golf Club – reported receiving just over 280mm of rain. There was still an impressive flow of water in Rickabys Creek on Monday 4th May, but the gently undulating nature of the Windsor course meant that only the lowest parts of the layout were still holding casual water. The remainder of the course was – as usual – very well presented.

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2015 J. J. Paine – Participants assembled on the 10th tee (click to enlarge)

After an excellent ‘dainty tea’ on the verandah, there were 22 players ready to face the starter. Fourteen were members of the Windsor club, two from just down the road at Richmond, two from Castle Hill, and a contingent of four from the Australian Golf Heritage Society. The gentleman’s event was contested by 16 players, and six players vied for the lady’s title.

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2015 J. J. Paine – a picture of concentration (click to enlarge)

The winner of the scratch event was A.G.H.S. stalwart Tony Doggett, on a countback from Christopher Dehn, Windsor vice-president Rod Hartas, and Alan McDonald, an A.G.H.S. member whose number of hickory games is still in single figures.

The handicap section of the event was secured by John Marsden. The 18th hole is usually critical in determining the winner and John proved this when he sank a long, downhill putt from well off the back of the last green.

Margaret Graves, who thought that she had no chance of winning, prevailed in the ladies section.

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2015 J. J. Paine winners (l-r) – John Marsden, Margaret Graves & Tony Doggett (click to enlarge)

Once the golfers had completed the nine holes, and lunch had been taken, Windsor captain Trevor Bartley welcomed the honoured guests, including Christopher Paine (grandson of J. J. Paine) and his wife Sue; six representatives from the Hawkesbury Historical Society including President, Dr Ian Jack, and two members of the Kurrajong Historical Society.

Rod Hartas then introduced Carol Carruthers, who spoke on the history of the Dick family which included Marion, who became both Mrs J. J. Paine in 1891, and the President of the Windsor Golf Club in 1905. Christopher Paine added considerably to the presentation by sharing additional information that only a family member could know.

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2015 J. J. Paine – Putting out on the 18th (click to enlarge)

The “J. J. Paine” is always exceptionally well organised and run. The Windsor course lends itself well to hickory play, and the format of the day ensures that those participating are, in turn, welcomed, challenged, entertained, and informed. In his closing address, Barry Leithhead emphasised the role of the club golfer in creating and maintaining the history of the game – events such as this epitomise the fulfilment of that role.