Whilst in Melbourne, Isaac visited the Marysville Golf Club in the town of Marysville; one of many to be badly damaged by what is now referred to as the Black Saturday Bushfire of 7 February 2009. Only a dozen properties are still standing in the town, some of the townsfolk did not survive the inferno and the majority of its remaining inhabitants are now living in temporary accommodation on land adjacent to the course. The club is, effectively, acting as a community centre. 

 

The course was also badly hit by the blaze. Irrigation pipes crossing creeks running through the course were destroyed, as were the machinery sheds and their valuable contents. And Lyre birds were emerging from the forest, their natural habitat, and digging up green surrounds in search of food.

 

With a lot of volunteer help, however, trees and other debris were cleared from the course and greens were re-layed thanks to the turf industry’s continued support. Through their efforts, Marysville Golf Club is, once again, open for play. Peter Thomson, five-time Open Champion, attended the re-opening of the front nine on 30 May, and the full 18-hole course was once again in use this October. The resilient members of Marysville, those at other clubs hit by the bushfires, and those from the industry that have helped them get back on their feet are true champions of golf.