ELMA Balsarini, Lynne Bishop and Shannon Bishop form a unique three-generational chain that can be found regularly on the fairways at Murray Downs Golf Club. Lynne told her story, and that of her mum's and daughter's, to ANDREW ROGERS.
GOLF is a family affair for Murray Downs ladies captain Lynne Bishop.
And with mum Elma Balsarini and daughter Shannon Bishop also regular fixtures on the fairways, the trio forms a unique three generation chain at the club.
Elma started playing golf at Ultima in the mid-1970s, and remains an A grade player with a handicap of 18 today.
She enjoyed a stellar career at Ultima, winning more than 20 club championships and numerous knock-out tournaments.
Playing pennant at Ultima saw Elma a part of two premiership teams, with victory in 2001 proving particularly special.
That year Lynne was captain of Ultima and played in the same side as her mum.
"We only had six girls involved (at the club) and needed five to play each week," she said.
"And we got up and won, so it was a big thing for us."
Other career highlights for Elma included a hole in one on the 11th at Murray Downs in the late 90s, while she was a regular at district tournaments at towns like Lalbert and Nyah West.
"She's very consistent and steady even now," Lynne said.
Elma held a variety of committee positions at Ultima until she switched to Murray Downs in 2004.
Lynne joined her in the same year -- some 25 seasons after she'd followed in her mum's footsteps in taking up golf at Ultima.
Her ongoing passion for the sport was probably sewn when she won Ultima's nine-hole championship in her first year.
At Ultima, there were times when Lynne and Elma held the most prominent committee positions concurrently, while Elma's late husband Dick and Lynne's husband Rod were also heavily involved.
Rod gave up football at 26, taking up golf at Ultima and winning two or three championships along the way.
His dad Barry is involved with Dad's Army at Murray Downs, and according to Lynne is playing more as he gets older.
"It's been pretty full on for our family," Lynne said.
After switching to Murray Downs in 2004, Lynne was able to claim the Golden Putter event with Shelley Wilkins.
It remained a career highlight, she said.
"It was a big thrill. We all love that one, it's a very special event," she said.
That year Lynne was also involved with the club's division two pennant team, which was successful in winning the season's title.
These days, Lynne plays more as a fill in for the division one side.
She said she remained passionate about travelling to events where possible.
"I'm very passionate about encouraging the girls to get to local tournaments. It's the best thing for your golf to play different courses, different set-ups and different types of match play," Lynne said.
"It can only help your golf."
Lynne, who these days plays off a handicap of 11, took part in Country Teams last year, an event that draws teams from across the state together in Melbourne.
And while Lynne said she was keen to take part in the event again, she said the club's members also enjoy the more light-hearted outings.
"Our golf is also very social. We have an annual bus trip to Rosanna, and we've gotten to know the Rosanna girls quite well," she said.
"Last year we played Ballarat (Golf Club) on the way home."
Whether travelling near or far, Lynne said coming back to Murray Downs is always rewarding.
"It's a fabulous course and we are so lucky for the price we pay," she said.
"And we've got fabulous sponsors รน the prizes we win are great."
For Shannon, in year eight at Swan Hill College, settling in at Murray Downs has been relatively easy, with previous experience through Go Go Golf, a junior golf program similar to its football equivalent AusKick.
"That runs one night a week for a term," Lynne said.
"Last year Shannon was invited to participate again, but she wanted to play properly.
"She got her handicap in May and it started at the standard 45 and she's already got it down to 32.
"She's improving all the time," Lynne said.
And that improvement was in no small way thanks to the dedication of the Murray Downs Golf Club to junior development, she said.
The club has in recent years set up a junior committee and runs an annual junior tournament that brings players from across Victoria and beyond, as well as board sponsorship being made available to promising youngsters.
"With that program, it's $30 a year for a junior and once you've got your handicap and played one competition you're eligible for assistance from the board," Lynne said.
For Shannon, that assistance has been taken up in the form of free coaching, Lynne said.
She said, however, the fixed amount from the board could be spent on other golf-related expenses like travel or equipment.
Lynne said the work of Kristian Keily to improve Shannon's game had also been invaluable.
"She has lessons with him once a month, and it is a credit to him where the club's juniors are," Lynne said.
Lynne joked that it had taken her a while to come around to the idea of playing golf.
"My childhood was basically every Wednesday and Sunday night listening to my parents talking about golf, and it was quite boring and I never understood what it was about. And now I do the same thing to my children," she laughed.
"Now Shannon plays with mum every Saturday. I'm not sure if she quite realises how special that is, but I think she will later on."
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