Rich River Golf Club Resort
BOARD | RRGC MANAGERS | LIFE MEMBERS | VISITORS INFORMATION | DRESS CODE | GENERAL CONDUCT | HISTORY
RRGC Board Members
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| Mr Ken Peat President | Mr Rodney Perry Senior Vice President | Mr Brian Harland Junior Vice President |
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| Mr Bruce Richie Greens Director | Mrs Marion Whatley Director | Mr Rod Pearl Director |
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| Mr John Meincke Director | Mr Geoffrey Stephenson Director | Mr Michael Mangiameli Director |
RRGC Managers x
 Mr Wayne Sutton Chief Executive Officer |  Mrs Lissa Reynolds HR Manager |  Mr Matt Boyd Operations Manager |  Mrs Jodie Morgan Financial Manager |
 Ms Rachael Rendell Marketing Manager |  Mr Paul Cohen Executive Chef |  Mrs Sue Muir Motel Manager |  Mr Andrew Johnson Course Superintentant |
 Mrs Joanne Osborne Office Manager |  Mr David Phillips Purchasing Manager | Ms Carly Severino Function & Sales Executive |  Mr Richard Caiolfa Golf Professional |
 Mr Steven Loader Golf Professional |  Mr Terry Hore Floor Manager | Mr Kevin Robinson Floor Manager |  Floor Manager |
 Mr Jurica Kljuce Floor Manager |  Mr John Bracher Floor Manager |
RRGC Life Members
Athol Brown
Arthur Fraser
John Hewlett OAM
Norman Knopp
Bridget McKenzie
Leslie Rymer
James Stapleton
Daisy Taylor
Roy Vincent
Visitors Information
Visitors are always welcome at Rich River Golf Club Resort. Visitors are required to show identification and sign in as a temporary member when entering the Club.
In accordance with the Registered Club Act, an individual residing within a 5km radius of Rich River Golf Club Resort must be a current member of the Club in order to enter the property. It is a requirement of the Registered Clubs Act that all visitors to a Registered club provide identification when signing in.
Dress Code
Neat, tidy and respectable dress is essential at all times. Between the hours of 10am and 7.30pm correct sporting attire is permitted on sporting days. Tracksuits may be worn by sporting members in the bistro only at lunch times on organised sports days.
Singlet tops, short shorts, shirts with large or obscene advertising and spikes are prohibited in all areas other than the Spike Bar. Swimming attire, bare tops, bare feet are strictly prohibited within the grounds and Clubhouse at all times.
General Conduct
Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests whilst on the Club premises. Members and guests are required to maintain a high standard of conduct while in the Club. Conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Club could lead to suspension. The Club is committed to the responsible serving of alcohol, and Members or guests intoxicated or unsuitably dressed will be requested to leave the premises.
History
In March of 2004, Rich River Golf Club Resort celebrated its Silver Jubilee Anniversary. From humble beginnings, the Club has now become one of the country's premier golf resorts.
The Echuca Golf Club opened in 1907 on the banks of the Campaspe River. For twenty weeks a year, good golf was enjoyed on sand scrape greens. The Club obtained a liquor license and officially opened their grass greens in 1967. The following year, the second nine holes were operational. The Echuca Golf Club now had an all year round course. Unfortunately, the course would occasionally flood. Over a number of years, it was raised at meetings, should the club move to a site that didn't flood? The course flooded once too often. From 1973 to 1975, it was flooded five times. The decision to move was made.
In 1976, 800 members of the Echuca Golf Club purchased 300 acres (121.4 hectares) of land just out of Moama, at approximately $80.00 per acre. The final site being selected because it was flood free and undulating enough to produce a quality golf course. A liquor license was sought and work commenced on the construction of the 18-hole golf course and the clubhouse in early 1978. The clubhouse was first opened in March 1979. The course followed the next month. The course was designed by Geoff and Ted Parslow. The entire project was funded principally from Club Members Debentures. $365,000 was raised through debentures, with no guarantee if the project failed. At 10% interest, all monies were repaid by the due date three years later.
The official opening of the Rich River Golf Club was held on the 9th May, 1979. Among those who attended were Lou Richards, Doug Elliott and Ron Casey.
The popularity of the newly sited club was immediately evident and the directors commissioned extensive additions mid 1981, 1985 and 1988. Also the same year, the official opening of the second 18 hole golf course (east course) took place. The first floor additions came into operation in April, 1981 and complimented the new 250 seat Restaurant as well as increased lounge area and ancillary work to the Bistro and main kitchen. The first floor additions contain an auditorium with stage and movie facilities as well as a general functions room to handle seminars, conventions, etc., both rooms are serviced by a central bar which overlooks the golf course. In May 1982 further alterations increased the size of the Members' Lounge and bar area.
Major additions were completed in August 1985. The focal point is a 600 square metre Members' Lounge, separate games room and quiet area equipped with a writing desk and small library for relaxation.
A 100 keg cool-room, new male and female locker rooms, brand new Spike Bar and relocated bistro bandstand, dance floor and new function room compliment the refrigerated air-conditioning, up-to-date sound system and velvet upholstered furniture. Cost of this addition was $1.45 million.
More additions commenced in July 1987 and provided below ground stores and receiving area, all new electrical sub station, new staff amenities and administration block plus brand new large foyer and covered portico as a focal point for this $3 million extension. Completion date for this stage was June 1988.
Amidst the construction and development of the clubhouse and surrounds, the club secured its first major golf tournament, known as the Rich River Golf Club Pro Golf Classic which was first played in 1986. The line up for the classic included some of Australia's golfs biggest names - Bob Shearer, Bill Dunk, Mike Clayton, Ossie Moore, Roger David and Ian Stanley. The tournament provided a unique non-metropolitan venue for the 'Pro Golf Classic.' Bob Shearer set the inaugural tournament buzzing with an opening of 64, a new course record. He followed with rounds of 68-66-69, a four rounds total of 267, to secure the title. In 1987 Peter Senior went a step better with an opening round course record of 62, which set up his victory - finishing with rounds of 68-71-72 for a total of 273.
To compliment the 'Pro Golf Classic' the Australian PGA Seniors Tournament was also re-introduced. Around the world general interest in golf was soaring and the legendary figures of yesteryear were making a resurgence. Australia's own Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Ted Ball and in more recent years Bill Dunk have all graced the fairways of Rich River.
In 1986 and 87, American Orville Moody won the title and the title later become truly international, attracting players from eight countries. Japan's Akio Toyoda has won back to back titles in 1992 and 93 and returned in 1994 in an attempt to make it three consecutive PGA Seniors titles. However, this was not to be, the 1994 PGA Seniors title went to Rick L'Estrange from New South Wales.
In 1988 to celebrate Australia's bi-centenary and pro golf in this country, a new tournament was introduced in Canberra. Unfortunately, this clashed with the Pro Golf Classic at Rich River and marked its end after two successful years.
The Rich River Golf Club decided to retain the seniors title and make it the feature tournament each February on its programme and compliment it with a new tournament for trainee professionals. In 1988 the first Rich River Trainees Classic was held. An invitation field of leading trainee professionals played for a prize pool of around $10,000. The winner was Brad Andrews from New South Wales. In 1992 and 93 the event had grown to be a battle between Rodney Pampling and David Podlich, both from Queensland. Podlich winning in fine style in 1992. He finished with two birdies and an eagle on the final three holes of the 72 hole event to snatch victory from Pampling by one shot.
In 1993, Pampling turned the tables. The tournament was again left in the balance to the last green. Podlich nearly holed out for an eagle on the last, but it wasn't to be. Pampling managed to hold onto his two stroke lead to finish 11 under par on 277.
Rich River also featured an annual tournament each October with a 36 hole Men's Classic (which holds Ivo Whitton). Winners of this event were Stuart Appleby and Robert Allenby.
In 1990/91 a major refurbishment of the entire club was undertaken. The highlight being the modernisation of 'Bunkers Bistro' with seating for 200 and the elegant 'Tatalia Restaurant.'
The Rich River Golf Club now occupies the land that was around the turn of the century the heart of the Tatalia district. The school grounds and farmland have since been transformed into lush fairways, picturesque water hazards and sub lime putting greens.
In 1992 the Rich River Golf Club was awarded the 'Encouragement of Sport Award' at the Club of the Year awards. This was awarded on the club's continuing development and contributions to sport and sporting facilities. Our golf professional Alan Eacott was awarded PGA Merchandiser of the year in 1994.
More recent additions to the Club were the completion of Windmills Coffee Shop, prior to which was the new Reception area, Bar and TAB area which also incorporates the Spike Bar which is open 9.00am to 5.00pm daily.
1999 saw the East Links Course redesigned under the guidance of International Course Designer, Peter Thomson who has enhanced the rugged character of the course to challenge the country's finest golfers as well as entertain the weekend social players. The re-development which was completed in time for the Club's 20th Birthday celebrations also saw the construction of the 'al fresco' dining area the '19th Terrace' which provides a relaxed outdoor dining facility with uninterrupted views of the West course.
The 19th Terrace development was carried out by local contractors along with several of our other capital works; and provided an even greater range of dining facilities at the club. Situated in front of the Members' Lounge with access for the Spike Bar, the 19th Terrace includes a water feature, as well as sails to protect patrons during the warmer months, and is just one of the many new initiatives taken out to promote the complex as a one stop resort.
The external refurbishment of the clubhouse was completed on 25th July when the 19th Terrace was officially opened.
Further refurbishment of the main clubhouse were completed in December 2003 and in March 2004, the club celebrated 25 years with a week of celebrations culminating in the Silver Jubilee Dinner at which past and present Presidents, CEO's, Life Members and members alike reminisced about old times.