A champion for the Boorhaman Golf Club: Barry’s remarkable journey

A MAN who has dedicated a large part of his life being a volunteer for the Boorhaman Golf Club, Barry Byrne, was recognised with a life membership at the club’s open day last month. When Barry arrived in Boorhaman at the beginning of 1988, he found the local golf course closed and occupied by sheep. Undeterred, he saw potential where others saw a pasture. Barry's vision and determination sparked a revival that would transform the Boorhaman Golf Club into the thriving community hub it is today. In November 1990, after numerous conversations with locals, Barry organised a meeting that led to the reformation of the club. He didn’t just talk about change; he became a driving force behind it, volunteering for the committee and playing a crucial role in expanding the course by incorporating two additional holes from the pub paddock. Barry's hands-on approach was evident from the start. He attended countless working bees, contributing to the course’s physical restoration. This dedication culminated in the club's first social hit on April 13, 1991. His commitment deepened as he took on the role of vice president and joined the social and grounds committee by the end of that year. In 1994, the club embarked on a major infrastructure project, replacing the old supper room with a new building and a dedicated golf room. Barry was at the forefront of this development, from planning to execution, ensuring the project’s success. His leadership qualities shone through as he was elected secretary in 1995, and later, president - a role he held with distinction until 2018. Barry's innovative spirit didn't stop there. In 2014, while recovering from knee surgery, he saw a TV segment about FootGolf, a new sport combining soccer and golf. Recognising its potential to boost local interest, Barry introduced FootGolf to Boorhaman. The FootGolf course officially opened on August 9, 2015, and played a crucial role in revitalising the club amid declining participation and external challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. For the past 34 years, Barry has been the heart and soul of the Boorhaman Golf Club. His hundreds of hours spent repairing machinery, maintaining the course, and fostering community spirit have left an indelible mark. Barry’s passion and innovative ideas have ensured the club’s resilience and growth. Marcus Neal, a new member to the club over the last 18 months, has tapped into Barry knowledge of the history of the club. “Barry delved into great depth of his time at the club and should be recognised for his input and this is well deserved," he said. "He has told stories how the club used to run over both sides of Boorhaman Road and then the course was restructured to all be on one side of the road. "How the club used to run night golf events.” In recognition of his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication, Barry was nominated for life membership at the Boorhaman Golf Club. This honor celebrates his remarkable journey and the enduring legacy he has built within our community.

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