Celebrating our Legends – Damian Willcox

Damian’s love of golf began in the late 1960s when he caddied at Northern Golf Club, later becoming a member there. In 1985, Damian and his wife Margaret (“Marg”), also a keen golfer, were introduced to Spring Valley by a friend. Damian joined soon after, with Marg following a year later. Their “love affair” with golf was evident early in their relationship, forming a key part of their honeymoon in Fiji and extended to Yarrawonga, where they played unlimited golf for a week at just $25 per person—a bargain, as Damian fondly recalls.

A skilled golfer, Damian maintained a handicap between 10 and 12 for 16 years, even reaching 9 for a period. His golfing achievements include three Monthly Medals, two holes-in-one (including the 5th at SV), and winning the Founders Trophy with Marg in the mid-1990s. This Mixed Foursomes event involved two qualifying rounds, semi-finals, and a final, where Damian and Marg defeated fellow current members Jack and Ingrid Bellart on the 20th hole.

On the subject of mixed foursomes—or “divorsesomes,” as some jokingly call them—I asked Damian about a famous Spring Valley tale. The legend goes that Marg left her greenside bunker shot in the sand, Damian played out near the pin, and quipped, “That’s how you play bunker shots,” only for Marg to putt the ball back into the bunker and challenge him to show her again. Damian laughed, clarifying that the story was actually about members from another club, and over time had been misattributed to him and Marg. The record is now officially set straight!

Damian’s contributions to the Club and the broader golf industry are impressive. He served 14 years on the SVGC Match Committee and has been a State-Level Rules Referee for over 30 years. He has officiated numerous Honour Board events at Spring Valley, as well as five Australian Opens, 12 Victorian Opens, and many professional and amateur tournaments across Victoria and interstate. Damian also served as a Course Rating System Specialist, walking, measuring, and rating golf courses throughout the state.

At Spring Valley, Damian continues to share his extensive knowledge of the rules of golf through the Club’s website, offering clear explanations and practical examples to help members improve their understanding of the game. As Damian often says, mastering the rules is just as important as mastering your swing!

Explore Damian’s Rules here

Damian is full of praise for the Club and the ongoing course improvements. Spring Valley has been a special place for him and Marg throughout their 40 years of membership. While he is currently addressing a troublesome hip that requires replacement, the Club looks forward to seeing him back on the course soon. In the meantime, members can continue to enjoy his insights through his regular articles.

Damian, we sincerely thank you for your significant contributions to Spring Valley and the broader golf industry, and for your 40 years of membership. We look forward to many more years with you.

Name Day Event: Wednesday 29 October
Damian plans to be at the Club at some stage during the day. If you see him, shake his hand, wish him well, and raise a glass to a member who has given so much to our Club.

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