Celebrating our Legends: Trevor Morrell

Trevor Morrell grew up in country South Australia, where sport was a way of life. He spent his youth playing cricket and football, with the occasional round of golf with mates. Over time, golf became his true passion. He joined Marino Golf Club in Adelaide (now The Vines) and enjoyed 12 years there before work with the National Bank brought him to Melbourne in early 1985.

A neighbour recommended Spring Valley, and with a reference from Marino, Trevor applied for membership. At the time, the late Chris Grenfell chaired the Membership Committee. Upon seeing that Trevor was a former National Serviceman and a Legatee, Chris asked just one question: “When do you want to start?”

Trevor’s first day at Spring Valley has become part of his personal folklore. Arriving at 7.00am, before the days of time sheets, he found himself trying to make up a group with complete strangers. This was no easy task for a brand-new member. Eventually, he located a group of three in the sprig bar who were happy for him to join them… provided he shouted a round or two. Several beers later, they hit off at around 11.30am. As Trevor recalls, his golf “was not very good that day!”

He soon settled into the swing of SV life, forming strong golfing friendships with the late Warren Kohry, Doug Broadley and Barrie Wain. Warren, who lived near the course, became invaluable once time sheets were introduced, often heading to the club to secure the group a favourable weekly tee time. In later years, Trevor enjoyed many keenly contested Saturday and Wednesday rounds with Barry Gust, Noel Mannix and Rick Graham. With two right-handers and two lefties, there was always plenty of friendly banter about who the course best suited.

A capable and consistent golfer, Trevor reached a 14 handicap and enjoyed many highlights across his 40 years at Spring Valley, including:

• C Grade Champion – 1998

• Inaugural Ex-Serviceman’s Trophy Winner – 1999

• Hole-in-One – 10th Hole, August 2019

• Two Monthly Medals

• Numerous Saturday and Wednesday competition wins

With a touch of humour, Trevor notes that his 1998 C Grade Championship, and Ron Toe’s 1995 win, were widely celebrated as they broke the dominance of Alby Grierson (five titles) and Vic Finlay (two titles) who collectively claimed every C Grade title between 1992 and 2000.

Off the course, Trevor and his wife Robyn travel to the UK annually to visit their two adult children who moved there in the early 2000s. Their travels have nurtured a shared passion for bushwalking, and together they have completed more than 30 walks across England, Scotland and Europe, in addition to many throughout Victoria.

In recent years, increasing arthritis in Trevor’s back and shoulders has meant he can no longer play golf regularly. He has transitioned to Clubhouse Loyalty membership, a difficult decision given his love of the game and the great friendships formed over four decades. Trevor deeply values the warmth, camaraderie and fellowship that Spring Valley has offered him across 40 memorable years.

Trevor, Spring Valley Golf Club sincerely thanks you for your loyalty, your contribution and your presence in the life of the Club. We look forward to welcoming you often in the clubhouse, and on Wednesday, 17 December, we proudly honour your 40 years of membership. As you join your friends for the Christmas Lunch that day, we encourage fellow members to shake your hand, say hello, and raise a glass to this remarkable milestone.

← Back to previous page