CLUB OF THE MONTH: KEPERRA COUNTRY CLUB

There are plenty of reasons why Brisbane’s Keperra Country Golf Club has been celebrating during the past 18 months.

The club had its 75th anniversary last year, a milestone which was beautifully capped off by one of its prodigal sons – John Senden – winning the Australian Open. Senden recently returned to the club where he learned the game. Under his arm was the Stonehaven Cup and by his side was his long-time coach and former Keperra head professional, Ian Triggs. To mark the occasion, Senden donated mounted photos and a signed flag from his maiden US PGA Tour victory earlier last year.

Keperra was officially opened as Enoggera Golf Club in 1932 after nearly two years of clearing the site of the present course, which was heavily timbered and covered with an abundance of virgin lantana scrub.

Tall timbers create tight driving lines on many holes at Keperra

A new clubhouse was completed in 1940 and it was decided at that time to change the name of the club. The committee settled on adopting the name given to the adjacent railway station – Keperra.

Post-war, the club continued to grow – the clubhouse was regularly upgraded, extended and refurbished, subtle changes were made to the course under architectural supervision, a course watering system was introduced and the club embarked on extending the layout from 18 to 27 holes.

Today, Keperra is an immaculately presented course which closely follows the reaches of Kedron Brook and is home to some of the finest gums and native trees to be found in the northern Brisbane metropolitan area.

The 27-hole layout can be played in three groups of 18 holes known as the Old, North and West courses or as a composite of all 27 holes to provide the ultimate challenge.

Challenge is a key word here and some of Queensland’s fi nest players have learned and trialled their games at Keperra. Peter Senior, Senden and tennis player turned golf pro Scott Draper all spent their formative years in the game at Keperra.

It is not surprising with such a rich history of quality golf and golfers at Keperra that the club would be chosen to host Queensland’s only national squad selection trial – the Keperra Bowl – each year through to 2009.

The Bowl also offers good world amateur ranking points so it is sure to attract a terrific field of local and international golfers when it is played from May 15 to 18.

Keperra has also been proving popular with new players with 303 new members, across all categories, added
to the club’s register during the past 18 months.

KEPERRA COUNTRY GOLF CLUB
ADDRESS: Duggan St, Keperra, Brisbane, Queensland.
ESTABLISHED: 1931.
COURSE DESIGNERS: Stan Francis (1931).
VISITORS WELCOME: Seven days (nine holes only
available on Saturday).
CORPORATE DAYS: Monday to Friday with various
packages for small groups to more than 200 players.
MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE: Yes, in all categories.
CONTACT: (07) 3355 7744.
WEBSITE: www.keperragolf.com.au