Mooroopna Golf Club celebrates as much-loved Margaret Jacobson turns 92

By Zac Standish

Mar 9, 2023

During the past six decades Mooroopna Golf Club has undergone a host of dramatic changes.

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From the addition of multiple holes to the construction of the region’s only driving range complex, its members have been well and truly thrust into the 21st century.

But while the club has been a breeding ground for change, there has been one constant during the years.

That is the radiating smile of much-loved member Margaret Jacobson walking up and down the fairways.

Having joined Mooroopna Golf Club in 1964, the place has been like a second home to Jacobson for more than 60 years, as she takes on the challenge of the course twice a week and relishes the social aspect with a cup of tea following the 18th hole.

People like Jacobson are what make country golf communities so great and, on Wednesday afternoon, her Mooroopna faithful put together a celebratory lunch and putting competition to help her ring in her 92nd birthday (which falls on Friday, March 10).

A group of more than 20 women took the time to help her celebrate the milestone, which is something Jacobson said showed the tight-knit community at the club.

“Today has been fantastic, the girls here are great and have been a wonderful part of my life,” she said.

“For them to put this on for me for my 92nd birthday it means so much, I’ve been playing here since 1964 and the sense of community has always been very strong.

“It’s a long time to be involved, but I have loved every minute of it and things like this is what makes me continue to come back.”

Special community: Margaret Jacobson surrounded by her beloved golfing friends at Mooroopna. Photo by Zac Standish

Having consistently played golf for more than 60 years, you would think Jacobson had no more mountains to climb when it comes to the game.

But she said getting out and playing was more important to her now as it had ever been.

“I mainly play now for exercise, I don’t worry about my handicap or anything like that any more,” she said.

“If you want to get fit get out and play golf for two or three days a week, I’ve found it to be very helpful with every aspect of my life.

“In summer I’ve only been playing nine holes, but once the temperature cools down a bit I can’t wait to be out here playing 18 two or three times a week.

“Not many people are 92 and still playing golf, but I just love the challenge of golf, the companionship of other people and keeping fit.”

And having now reached the ripe age of 92, Jacobson said her golf game was still in relatively good knick.

“I’m pretty happy with where things are at right now, I am hitting them pretty good,” she said.

“A couple of months ago I was hitting them absolutely shockingly and I’m back on track now which has been nice.

“My handicap has doubled from when I was back in my prime, but I’m still loving the challenge of being out there and giving it a go.”

But when it comes to what makes Mooroopna Golf Club such a special part of her life, Jacobson said it was the connection it represented to her late husband Allan that keeps bringing her back.

“The club does mean a lot to me, especially because my late husband was president for eight years,” she said.

“He and his father and a few others were the foundation of this club, so to still be here and enjoying what they helped build, it is very special to me.

“I think I’ve won nearly every event in this club except the A-grade championship, so I’d like to think I’ve had some impact and I will without a doubt play here for as long as I can.”