Golf club in the scrub powered by a generator, community spirit and dirt-cheap fees

Deep in the Wimmera scrub where wattles bloom gold in early spring and phone reception fades, the hum of a generator and the smell of wood smoke mark the heart of one of Victoria's most-loved little golf clubs: Toolondo. 

As many other regional sports clubs struggle to attract volunteers and players, this 18-hole course 45 kilometres south of Horsham in western Victoria continues to thrive, despite no mobile phone reception, no electricity, no mains water and no paid staff.

Each year, the club in the scrub pulls about 50 members from near and far.

Players connect not over luxury but laughter, light-hearted rivalries and homemade cream cakes.

Local farmers carved the first nine holes in the 1950s, before expanding to 18 holes the following decade.

As the years have gone by, many small neighbouring clubs have folded, including Pimpinio further north in the Wimmera.

But Toolondo endures.

So what makes it so special?

Heart and hospitality

Each Saturday in winter, players fill the historic clubhouse, a former classroom from a local school.

There is no stocked bar. Drinks arrive by ute each weekend.

And there is no wi-fi to distract from conversation.

Beyond the fairways fragrant with Australian botanicals, kangaroos hop, emus nest, and sunsets glow over the wetlands where brolgas can be spotted.

Swan Hill golfer Lindsay Watts has competed in the Australian and Victorian Opens.

He has been making the 540-kilometre round trip to Toolondo for 35 years.

"But it's the people — I love the people, they are so welcoming.

"Playing here is the highlight of my year. It's my happy place."

According to club president Allan Parfett, offering a sense of homecoming is intentional.

"We welcome everyone. It's a real country community and I think we have become pretty well-known for our afternoon teas," Mr Parfett said.

The famous spreads of sweets, sandwiches and scones are made in the simple volunteer kitchen.

And former club champion Lorraine O'Beirne, 91, still sends her son Glen O'Beirne to the club each Saturday bearing mum's popular sausage rolls.

Value of simplicity

Toolondo's grassroots affordability is a ticket to the sand scrapes at a time when golf's expense can be an inhibiting factor.

According to a 2024 Golf Australia survey of operations, the average club membership in regional Victoria costs between about $700 and $1,000 annually.

In Melbourne, memberships for private clubs cost an average of more than $3,000 a year, and for elite clubs like Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club can exceed $7,000.

Weekend greens fees may cost between $35 and $50 in regional Victoria — or $80 to $100 in metropolitan areas — according to the Golf Australia 2024 Annual Report.

At Toolondo, membership is $50 for newbies — and the greens fee is $5.

Wimmera District Golf Association president Lee English said Toolondo was a symbol of survival for an ageing sport.

"There are probably about 8,000 golfers in the region, but that is well down on what we had probably 10 years ago."

He blamed reduced funding and high participation costs.

"They used to hold clinics at school, competitions, but they have dumped all that. Maybe it's time to go back to that community ethos, community effort, community theme," Mr English said.

Charitable community charm

Brimpaen farmer Ron Winfield said it was the community that drew him back each week.

"It's an outing. You don't necessarily go for the golf; it's the people," Mr Winfield said.

That spirit fuels the club's charity days.

When local boy Joel Rees had a stroke aged three, the community rallied for him.

For the past 15 years, Toolondo has hosted a tournament for the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal, raising thousands in his name.

"I can't thank the Toolondo Golf Club enough for its support," Joel said.

"It's a place that not only cares for its members but also for the community and that makes a real difference to the lives of a lot of people."

In August, the club hosts its annual four-person ambrose, which attracts people from all over the state.

It's a 27-hole tournament — but to ladies captain Liz Jackman, it's a reunion.

"We've shared wine and cheese, smoked oysters and champagne with other teams. It's a real fun day. It's challenging, but it's the country atmosphere," Ms Jackman said.

Self-described golf "hacker" Jack Alexander said, despite his handicap of 39, he would never miss a week at the course.

From wood fires to wattles, Toolondo proves you don't need polished greens or city budgets to create a place of belonging.

ABC reporter Sue Dunstan is a volunteer committee member at Toolondo Golf Club.