The small village of Bothwell, birthplace of Australian golf and home of the Australian Golf Museum, is bubbling with excitement at the upcoming visit of one of the greatest golfers of all time. 

“Peter Thomson has accepted an invite to hit the ceremonial first tee shot on May 10th to open our restored golf holes at the Ratho Links, Australia’s Oldest Golf Course” explained Greg Ramsay, who grew up on the property. The 5 British Open championships and 3-time winner of the Australian Open will join other legends of the game Lindy Goggin, Peter Toogood and local champion Michael White in an exhibition match around 6 of the original golf holes that have been reinstated thanks to a Federal Government grant.

 “These holes are between the Ratho farm shearing shed and head along the Clyde River towards the village, 3 of them have not been played since before World War Two. Peter Toogood will also be playing the 6holes with Hickory Clubs, to demonstrate the different play of the golf course through the ages” expanded Greg.

Lynette Polley, Coordinator of the Australian Golf Heritage Festival, which includes the this event, expanded  “The exhibition match will start this year’s National Hickory Championships. Originally we were hoping the Premier might play, but when his schedule meant he couldn’t commit to the day, we were thrilled when Peter Thomson, one of the greatest golfers of all time, accepted our invitation.  We’re not sure when Peter last played in Tasmania, but it’s wonderful that he wanted to play Australia’s Oldest Golf Course before he hangs up the clubs.”

Life Member Max Stuart, who has been playing the Ratho Golf Links for over half a century can’t get the grin off his face “It will be once-in-lifetime to see a legend of the game knocking the ball around our golf holes in the paddocks. The first tee shot is out over the sheep yards, and there’s not many of today’s members that can remember playing these holes.”

For people wishing to come and watch Peter Thomson, join fellow champions Lindy Goggin, Peter Toogood and Michael White, a note donation can be made to the Mat Goggin Junior Golf Foundation on the day.  Formalities commence at the Bothwell Golf Clubhouse from midday on May 10th, with the National Hickory Championships being played after the exhibition match and before the Bothwell Highland Fling & Golf Ball that night at the Bothwell Town Hall.

You can find out more at www.rathogolf.com or by ringing 0409 595 702