Tom Leitch district golf life member
Yarrawonga and St. James golfer, Tom Leitch, has been awarded Life Membership of the North Eastern District Golf (NEDGA) Association.
Tom joined the NEDGA Executive in 1995. He took over as the co-ordinator for the Sand Greens Challenge in 2004 and the district captaincy in 2008 from George Barber and held this position until 2019 when he resigned from the Board.
The captaincy involved running the pennant season, organizing district tournaments, and the collection and collation of all results for both the Sand Greens Challenge and the John Guilfoyle Player of the Year awards.
Tom also played a role on the working group going through the process of amalgamation of the women's and men's organizations, something he said he truly believed in.
He has been a playing member in the district since 1965 when he started as a junior at Jubilee and St.James clubs. He has also been a member at Benalla and joined Yarrawonga in 1990. Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort is now his home club.
Nominated by Life Member, Andrew Walker, Tom's prestigious life membership award was ratified at the December annual meeting of the association. He was presented with his badge and plaque at the district's opening day on Sunday, February 12 at the Myrtleford Golf Club by NEDGA President Phil Conway.
“I've known Tom for about 35 years, played a lot of golf with and against him, and he's very deserving of this award,” Phil told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.
“He has served the district extremely well.” And the record against him on the golf course Phil? “It's about 50:50!” came the response.
In thanking members for the honour of the Life Membership, Tom paid special tribute to the quality of the Executive, many of whom have also been granted Life Membership, that he worked with in early years.
He stated that he had enjoyed the role immensely, a reason he was able to continue for the time that he did.
“The most enjoyable part was being able to get around all the clubs in the district, playing in their tournaments and meeting the people involved, the wonderful volunteers who devote so much time to the running of their respective clubs and host visitors,” he said.
“I have been able to make many acquaintances and friends from Tallangatta to Mansfield and Yarrawonga to Mt.Beauty.
Tom emphasised the support he received to successfully perform the role. “The support and assistance I have received from other members of the Executive, club representatives and players who have all forwarded on details and results to me has been greatly appreciated and helpful, as has been the support of the press,” he added.
“This award is very humbling and greatly appreciated.”