Out of the Ashes of 2019, The Wentworth now celebrates 60 good years

Total destruction in a fire in 2019 of the original Wentworth Golf Club seemed likely a death-knell for "The Wenty"; but fate still had a hand to play.

Having only just passed its half-century a few years before, it looked like this beloved local institution, might not meet the 60th anniversary which it celebrates this week.

Fortuitous events, however, led to its amalgamation with Orange Ex-Services Club, and they haven’t looked back since, Services’ Chief Operating Officer, Mark "Fez" Fleidner believes.

"It was a tragedy when the 50-year plus club house burnt to the ground however, at that time, the Orange Ex-Services Country Club - which had its own course - lost our lease out at Bloomfield," Fez explained.

"So, we eventually formed an amalgamation between Orange Ex-Services Club and Wentworth, which has been beneficial for both parties," he added.

Half-century member, Stan Streatfeild, said that the amalgamation with the Ex-Services Club, was a lifesaver after the devastating inferno of May 18, 2019.

"In the end, it was probably the best thing to happen for all concerned," Stan said.

"The Servies lost a country club, and got a first-rate golf course as a swap," he added.

Bricks-and-mortar of the new clubhouse is one sign of the successful marriage between one of the top courses in the bush and Orange's biggest community organisation.

"The cost was about $25 million to build, making it one of the most modern buildings and golf courses in NSW," Fez said proudly.

"We've got a pro-shop, two golf simulators, a sports bar, a main restaurant, two cafes and function spaces, and a kids play area."

With the fine and ancient game of golf now struggling for numbers in many towns across Australia, "The Wentworth", as it is now known, has only grown and thrived.

"At the time of the re-opening, we had about 550 full members, now we have about 760 members, and that doesn’t include the 26,000 social members across the group," Fez revealed.

He emphasised not just the good work in recent years, but also the hard labour of those who founded the club all those years ago.

"The golf course, wouldn’t be where it is, if not for founders like John (Bankovic)" with the events of 2019 shattering for the members.

"It’s been a home away from home for so many, and it was sad for everyone but, saying that, it gave us the opportunity to benefit the whole community," Fez said.

He points to the long-standing commitment of so many at the club to its ultimate success now and into the future.

"We have 48 juniors, an increase on previous years, which is great; Todd (Brakenridge, Club Pro), does everything.

"We have a beautiful 18-hole, par 69 course in top condition, that is a testament to the work of so many people over the years," Fez said.

For many members, he believes, the club is so much more than just another golf course.

"I used to work out here since I was 16, Todd’s been here since he was 16, for all of us, it’s a special place," Fez said.

"In the end, they’re not members, they’re friends."

Early days of the club for everyone, only £5 a year!

Drinks between a group of golf-loving friends way back in 1965 was the catalyst for the establishment of The Wentworth, now one of the best clubs in country NSW.

Increasing popularity of golf in the post-war years - a sport until then traditionally associated with the wealthy upper middle class - had led to a crisis, where Orange’s established century-old course, simply could not cope with application numbers.

"At Duntreyleague, you couldn’t join unless your father or grandfather had been a member, there was just too long a waiting list," Wentworth Golf Club founding member, John Bankovic recalled.

"So, it was six local businessmen, over a beer at the old Orange Hotel, who decided to go ahead and build another golf course," he added.

This led to a public meeting being called, where the unmet demand for the course, was starkly illustrated with a huge attendance.

"We had a meeting at the Armaco Hall (Orange Function Centre) where more than 750 people turned up, at the end of the meeting, everyone paid ~$5 to become founding members," John said.

Then the next year, it went up to $10, a 100 per cent increase," he joked (conversion to the new decimal currency in February 1966, was at one pound to two dollars).

For John though, at the time a recent migrant from the Croatian province of communist Yugoslavia, the club has been a second home.

"You couldn’t find a better place to play golf, the first golf ball I ever hit in my life, was there, the first game I ever played, was there" John said. "It is more than a club, it is a family."

Foundation member, John Bankovic

Wenty member, Stan Streatfeild, said the amalgamation with the Ex-Services Club, was a lifesaver after the devastating fire.