UPPER Hunter Shire deputy mayor Maurice Collison described the launch of Scone's new $4 million golf course as "a day for the history books".
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Mr Collison was on hand to unveil the long-awaited layout to club members and patrons at the weekend.
"It's the culmination of years of work - planning, discussing, designing, public exhibitions and development applications - before anyone started digging," he said.
"In January, 2016, more than 40 Scone Golf Club members attended council's public information session to talk about the proposed plans for the course.
"There has been a rigorous - and therefore long - process of community consultation and tendering to get this done.
"Several thousand games of golf are played at Scone every year.
"And, we wanted to get it right.
"Today, we say good bye to the past and hello to a new, better Scone Golf Course; and we thank everyone for their contribution."
Cr Collison admitted the opening was a "wonderful occasion" for the town as well as the local organisation, which is steeped in tradition.
"Golf was invented by shepherds in Scotland almost 700 years ago," he said.
"So, looking at the big picture, it has not taken that long to complete the Scone Golf Course.
"The earliest mention we found of [Scone] golf in local newspapers was in 1903.
"It was reported that Scone had been Murrurundi 23 holes to one.
"In 1910, a meeting took place to form Scone Golf Club and a course 2800 yards long was marked out somewhere in this area.
"Around World War I, it was moved.
"And, in 1924, tenders were called to erect a clubhouse on the Scone links.
"Two seasons later, ladies were admitted as associate members; and many new rules were introduced to deal with the problem of balls hitting the surrounding fences.
"In 1932, Scone Golf Club finished the year with a debt of 1 pound 6 pence.
"But, they turned it around by 1933 ending up with a credit of 25 pounds.
"After World War II, a meeting was held to reform the Scone Golf Club - and the course returned to White Park.
"In 1947, the Scone Race Club hosted a grand opening as the racecourse ran through the layout.
"The racecourse relocated in 1994, which meant more trees could be planted and mounds added.
"In 2003, bridges were built over Parsons Gully.
"So, the Scone Golf Course has been through some exciting developments."
