From humble beginnings to Darling Downs powerhouse
A golfer tees off the 18th tee with the impressive clubhouse as a backdrop.
CITY Golf Club at Toowoomba is turning 100 and what a wonderful, and oftentimes challenging, ride it’s been for the Toowoomba institution.
As it celebrates its centenary, City Golf Club has become known as the premier golfing destination on Queensland’s Darling Downs thanks to the endurance, ambition and community spirit of those who shaped it over the past 100 years.
While its origins stretch back to 1896 under the banner of the Toowoomba Golf Club at Willowburn, the City Golf Club story truly began in 1926.
A pivotal decision at a 1925 annual general meeting, to establish a new course at Middle Ridge, sparked a divide.
The number of members relocated the following year leaving behind a contingent who would form Willowburn Golf Club.
By 1935, that club had been renamed City Golf Club and in 1938 it settled into its current South Toowoomba home.
From the outset, ambition was evident.
The picturesque eighth hole.
The course, designed and built by inaugural professional Tom Southcombe, measured 5706 metres with an opening hole that, at 553 metres, was reputedly the longest in Queensland at the time. It was a bold statement for a young club finding its footing.
That footing, however, was far from secure.
According to long-serving president Eddie Britnell, a life member who has spent three decades at the helm, the club’s early decades were defined as much by struggle as by success.
“As the club was really getting established during World War II, it nearly took a dive,” Britnell recalls. “They had to negotiate the lease, but they came through that with the help of the members.”
Another challenge arrived during the economic pressures of the 1970s. Once again, it was the loyalty and commitment of members and community that ensured survival.
“People put money in and the club survived,” Britnell said. “It’s been nothing but successful since then.”
Today, that success is undeniable. With 1400 playing members, more than 90,000 social members and a workforce exceeding 210 staff, City Golf Club has evolved into one of Australia’s most significant sporting and community organisations.
Its reputation on the national stage was cemented when it hosted the Queensland PGA Championship for 11 consecutive years from 2009.
Now, the club is preparing to welcome back elite competition with the return of the Australian Senior Open – a $160,000 event set to be played at the venue in October after a 14-year hiatus.
The new deck overlooking the 18th green at City Golf Club.
“We seem to have a habit of resurrecting tournaments,” Britnell says with a smile. “And we’re happy to do that.”
That forward-thinking approach extends beyond the fairways.
The club is currently undertaking a $16 million redevelopment of its already expansive clubhouse, enhancing facilities that include bars, restaurants, cafés, gaming areas, function spaces and more.
A new $2 million pro shop and state-of-the-art gaming facilities are also part of the vision – all designed to elevate the experience for members and visitors alike.
Yet, for all its growth, the club has never lost sight of its purpose.
“City Golf Club provides entertainment for the majority of the city and surrounding areas,” Britnell told Inside Golf. “We are an entertainment venue and community club more than anything else.”
That philosophy is reflected in its strong commitment to supporting local sport and community initiatives.
Financial contributions, event support and partnerships with smaller clubs have become hallmarks of its identity.
The original clubhouse (circa 1938).
“We believe if we support the community, they will support us,” Britnell added.
On the course, the transformation over a century has been equally striking. Once jokingly referred to as a “goat track,” the layout has matured into a respected test of golf – one that rewards strategy as much as skill.
With undulating terrain, relatively narrow fairways and a challenging closing stretch, it remains a true risk-and-reward design.
“We like to think we are the premier club around here,” Britnell said. “And we’re proud that most people can afford to play a quality golf course.”
That accessibility, combined with a welcoming atmosphere, has helped foster a loyal and diverse membership. Social players and visitors are embraced, reinforcing the club’s reputation as one of the friendliest in the region.
Over the decades, the club has also hosted some of golf’s biggest names.
Legends such as nine-time major winner Gary Player and Aussie great Norman von Nida thrilled crowds in a 1958 exhibition, while Greg Norman drew attention in the club’s pro-am following his 1980 Australian Open triumph.
More recently, fan favourite Craig Parry praised both the course and the region during his appearances at the Queensland PGA Championship.
“It was like going to the Blue Mountains,” Parry remarked. “It was amazing.”
An artist’s impression of the new-look pro shop.
Adding to its appeal is the club’s 4.5-star accommodation offering, the City Golf Club Motel.
Overlooking the course, it provides a tranquil stay-and-play experience, complemented by easy access to Toowoomba’s renowned parks, gardens and dining scene.
As City Golf Club marks its centenary, Britnell reflects with pride – not just on the milestone but on the people who made it possible.
“It’s a privilege,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of the club and proud of the management, the board and the committees. I’m grateful to be sitting in the chair at this time.”
A century on, City Golf Club is more than a golf course.
It is a true story of perseverance, progress and a community bound by a shared love of the game.
CENTENARY EVENTS
As part of its centenary celebrations, City Golf Club last month (May) held a number of events honouring its 100-year milestone.
The club hosted a special event titled 100 Golfers for 100 Years – a unique golf day that was designed to bring the community together on the golf course.
Then on Friday, May 15 there was a NRL Magic Round–themed Novelty Golf Day played as an Ambrose format.
The day featured a range of NRL-inspired activations, novelty games and trivia at each hole, along with carts, lunch, and canapés included in the experience. All proceeds proudly supported LifeFlight.
A highlight of the day was a commemorative “100-year photo,” where participating golfers were positioned to form the number 100 – a memorable tribute to a century of City Golf Club.
This month (June), the celebrations continue with what promises to be one of the biggest events of the year – the Gatsby Through the Years Party on Friday, June 19 from 8pm.
This free live event will take guests on a journey through the decades, from the roaring 1920s to today. The club will be transformed in true Gatsby-style, complete with vintage cars, spectacular fireworks, and live entertainment from the 18-piece Cool Nights Big Band, bringing jazz and swing to life.
Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme with prizes awarded for best dressed.
Bookings are essential and can be made online or via reception.
Looking ahead to July, planning is currently underway for 100 Years of Music – a month-long celebration where each weekend will showcase a different musical decade.
Guests can expect themed drink specials, live bands, and best-dressed prizes aligned to each era.
As the centenary year continues to take shape, the club invites the community to stay connected and be part of the celebrations.
Keep an eye on the website and Facebook page for the latest updates and event announcements as the club celebrates 100 years of City Golf Club in style – merchandise available at reception.
For more information, visit golf@citygolf.com.au
The post 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY: City Golf Club first appeared on Inside Golf. Australia's Most-Read Golf Magazine as named by Australian Golfers - FREE.
Article Link: https://www.insidegolf.com.au/course-reviews/queensland/100-year-anniversary-city-golf-club/