Sydney v The Bush – ‘The Birds’

Sport: Golf

Gender: Women

Typically Held: June

Course: Championship

Summary: Annual friendly match to encourage friendship between Royal Sydney (Sydney) and Elanora Country Club (the Bush). Aggregate Four Ball Best Ball Par event, played on a Monday in June. Held in alternate years at Royal Sydney and Elanora. Teams of 12 pairs from each club. Modified shot gun start.

History: Mrs. Mary Gregory (later Mrs. G.H. Locke) was Royal Sydney Associate Captain 1953- 1958, Elanora Associate President 1960-1964 and Royal Sydney Associate President (1967-72). On her retirement as Associate President of Royal Sydney, (1967 – 72) Mrs Gregory donated a pair of silver fighting cocks as the trophy for the event she wished to inaugurate. In 1972, the “birds”, as they have come to be known, were revealed at both clubs’ Annual General Meetings, which co-incidentally were held on consecutive nights. They were first played for in May 1973, when Royal Sydney presented Elanora with a Silk tree and Elanora presented a Callistemon ‘Endeavour’ to Royal Sydney. The latter was planted on the Northern Lawn outside the Bridge Room. Neither tree has survived. A book of handwritten results accompanies the trophy. The original 16 pairs per team was reduced to 12 in 2018.

Traditions & Standards: Host club holds lunch following play. Winning club retains the birds & the book which records results (handwritten). Office bearers from the visiting club are invited to attend lunch. Birds and prizes presented at lunch. Dress: Golf attire after play.

Conditions of Play: Click here

Do you have any personal insights or feedback on this event? If so, please provide this information below.