Driving force behind Kialla Golf Club

It’s a familiar scene at Kialla Golf Club, and one that would not be possible without its dedicated volunteers.

Kay Woodward and Nerea Santini are two of these volunteers.

For the past three years, the partners in craft have headed the catering committee, a branch of the various subcommittees that keep the club swinging.

“We do the general day-to-day tasks of buying the milk and ensuring we’re stocked up with coffee, tea, and other things,” Kay said.

“But then we also do the big events,” Nerea said.

This year, they will co-ordinate as many as 12 catered events with the support of fellow club volunteers, offering courses served on plates unlike the ones outside made for pars.

“It’s a lovely club. We all work together,” Nerea said.

“We’ve got terrific volunteers that look after the grounds (we get comments on it all the time) and a nice clubhouse – it’s a pleasure to come here and work.”

Said volunteers who keep the greens immaculate are under the guidance of Brian Reiners, chair of the course and greens subcommittee.

Brian, who has been volunteering since 2011, runs the monthly meetings and liaises with his team of volunteers.

“They’re putting in a lot of work, including maintenance and repairs,” he said.

Additionally, Brian is the vice-president of the management board, alongside president Beryl Krake, secretary Barb Reiners, and treasurer and chair of the finance committee Simone Gale.

At Kialla Golf Club, it’s not uncommon to take a shot at different roles within the organisation.

Consider the volunteers on the match committee: Marilla Macaulay, Sue Maynard, and Ross Campbell.

“Over the 30 years I’ve been here, I think I’ve been on every committee and done pretty much every job,” Marilla said.

This sentiment resonates with Sue, who has volunteered at Kialla Golf Club since 1987, and Ross, who joined the efforts in the mid-1990s.

As members of the match committee, their responsibilities include organising competitions, recording scores, managing entry fees, and sinking birdies when they find time.

“We all work together. It’s always been that way, but it’s more so now because we’re smaller,” Sue said.

The saying that there is never enough time rings true in today’s society.

These volunteers have chosen to donate theirs generously.

“There’s a lot of work involved in running the club as it’s completely run by volunteers,” Kay said.

“I don’t think a lot of people understand how much effort and commitment it takes.”

The workload may be hefty, but the camaraderie at the club is greater, creating lasting memories and a sense of belonging that keeps members returning to that emerald turf for more.

Every golfer has their day in the sun at Kialla Golf Club – their volunteers make sure of it.

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER?

To find out more, contact Kialla Golf Club at 5827 1390.