Golf club in the scrubland powered by a generator, community spirit and very low fees

Deep in the Wimmera scrub, where wattles bloom golden in early spring and phone reception fades, the hum of a generator and the smell of wood smoke mark the heart of one of Victoria’s best-loved small golf clubs: Toolondo.

While many other regional sports clubs struggle to attract volunteers and players, this 18-hole course 45 kilometers south of Horsham in western Victoria continues to thrive, despite lacking mobile phone reception, electricity, running water and paid staff.

Each year, the maquis club brings together around fifty members from here and elsewhere.

Players don’t connect over luxury but rather over laughter, light-hearted rivalries and homemade cream cakes.

Local farmers dug the first nine holes in the 1950s, before expanding to 18 holes over the next decade.

Over the years many small neighboring clubs have closed their doors, including Pimpinio further north in the Wimmera.

But Toolondo endures.

So what makes it so special?

Heart and hospitality

Every winter Saturday, players fill the historic clubhouse, a former classroom of a local school.

There is no stocked bar. Drinks arrive every weekend.

And there’s no Wi-Fi to distract from the conversation.

Beyond the fairways scented with Australian plants, kangaroos leap, emus nests and sunsets shine over wetlands where brolgas can be spotted.

Swan Hill golfer Lindsay Watts competed at the Australian and Victoria Opens.

He has been making the 540 kilometer round trip to Toolondo for 35 years.

“But it’s the people – I love the people, they’re so welcoming.

“Playing here is the highlight of my year. It’s my happy place.”

According to club president Allan Parfett, providing a feeling of homecoming is intentional.

“We welcome everyone. It’s a real rural community and I think we’ve become quite well known for our afternoon teas,” Mr Parfett said.

The famous spreads of treats, sandwiches and scones are prepared in the simple volunteer kitchen.

And former club champion Lorraine O’Beirne, 91, still sends her son Glen O’Beirne to the club every Saturday with his mother’s popular sausage rolls.

Value of simplicity

Toolondo’s affordability is a ticket to the sand at a time when golf-related expenses can be an inhibiting factor.

According to a 2024 Golf Australia survey, the average club membership in regional Victoria costs between $700 and $1,000 per year.

In Melbourne, private club membership costs on average more than $3,000 a year, and for elite clubs like Kingston Heath and the Victoria Golf Club, it can exceed $7,000.

Weekend green fees can cost between $35 and $50 in regional Victoria – or between $80 and $100 in metropolitan areas – according to Golf Australia’s 2024 annual report.

At Toolondo, membership costs $50 for beginners and the green fee is $5.

Wimmera District Golf Association president Lee English said Toolondo was a symbol of survival for an aging sport.

“There are probably about 8,000 golfers in the area, but that’s a lot less than there was probably 10 years ago.”

He blamed reduced funding and high costs of participation.

“They used to have clinics at school, competitions, but they abandoned all that. Maybe it’s time to get back to that community philosophy, that community effort, that community theme,” Mr. English said.

Charitable Community Charm

Brimpaen farmer Ron Winfield said it’s the community that keeps him coming back every week.

“It’s an outing. You don’t necessarily go for the golf, it’s the people,” Mr Winfield said.

This spirit fuels the club’s charity days.

When local boy Joel Rees had a stroke at the age of three, the community rallied for him.

For the past 15 years, Toolondo has hosted a tournament for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, raising thousands in his name.

“I can’t thank Toolondo Golf Club enough for their support,” Joel said.

“It’s a place that cares not only for its members but also for the community and makes a real difference in the lives of many people.”

In August, the club hosts its annual four-person Ambrose, which attracts people from all over the state.

It’s a 27-hole tournament, but for women’s captain Liz Jackman, it’s a reunion.

“We shared wine and cheese, smoked oysters and champagne with other teams. It’s a really fun day. It’s a challenge, but it’s the country atmosphere,” Ms Jackman said.

Self-proclaimed golf “hacker” Jack Alexander said despite his handicap of 39, he would never miss a week on the course.

From log fires to barbels, Toolondo proves you don’t need manicured greenery or city budgets to create a place to belong.

ABC journalist Sue Dunstan is a volunteer committee member at Toolondo Golf Club.