The golf club has a history and Peter Dale is a big part of it

May 22, 2025

Oberon Golf Club is a unique and special place. The stories of its creation and of the people who were there on the ground are just as special, we are excited to share their stories and history at the club with you.

It is only fitting that our inaugural post in this series is a testament to our current Club Patron and life member - Peter Dale.

Photo supplied

Oberon Golf Club opened in 1958 and just a few short years later Peter and his wife Bev moved to Oberon in 1962.

Since joining the club in 1964, Peter has been instrumental in witnessing and participating firsthand in the creation of the club we all know and love today.

He was part of the social club along with John McKusker, Roy Nicholson and Kath Cunyghame who were some of the original fundraisers via vibrant social nights that contributed to the funding allowing for the transition from sand scrapes to grass greens.

After being approached by prominent members of the club including Shafto Mawhood, Basil Gaggin and Dr Robey to take on the role, Peter became President of the club at 30 years of age, a position held from 1970 to 1973. During his time as president, significant changes took place, such as the 9-hole sand scrape course being extended to a 12-hole grass green course with a further 2 holes added 2 years later.

These initial new holes were designed and created by Al Howard who was known by all in the golf world at this time, Peter made sure that every time Al Howard was at the golf course consulting and building new holes, that he was there learning and helping. It is by their involvement that the "ordinary country" was converted into the 18 hole course we see today.

His time learning from Al served him well, with the final holes that were completed in the early 1990s, those being the current 2nd/3rd/4th and 5th holes are the result of Peters tireless efforts and work, as consultant and designer. It was a privilege to see the original working drawings of this that Peter still has to this day.

The original plans. Picture supplied

When asked his fondest and proudest memory, Peter said it was the two weeks of walking through virgin scrub to find these holes and the construction of them that he would remember the most.

In golfing, Peter has many great memories, with his hole in one on the 1st in 2015 being his fondest.

After more than sixty years involvement with the club you can often still find Peter warming a seat in the bar with the boys, looking out over the course he loves.

Some memories. Photos supplied

Written by Victoria Bewley for Oberon Golf Club. Photos supplied from private collections and Oberon Golf Club

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