The newest sign to be installed on the Sports Walk of Fame will be dedicated to 2017 local hero Maurice Penson who boasts an impressive sporting resume, being awarded Young Golf Club Champion twenty five times from 1949-1990 and both Club Foursomes and Mixed Foursomes Champion nineteen times each. Maurice has won a golf championship in each of the six decades from 1940 to 2000 as well as having played competition cricket and tennis and representing Young in swimming.
Maurice has held golf course records in every town within an 80km radius of Young and travelled extensively throughout his career representing NSW Country as well as travelling overseas to compete. Maurice is a Life Member of the Young Golf Club. Under Maurice’s direction the golf course has implemented improvements such as grass greens, irrigation and club house expansion.
In 1997 Maurice was responsible for establishing the Cherry Festival Veteran’s Tournament. This tournament has run each year since and has brought thousands of Veteran golfers to Young, something that has always been a dream for the local man.
“I always wanted to see Young grow and prosper. I knew for that to happen we had to give people a reason to come to Young. In my business I had people travelling from all over the region to Young and sport is no different, if we have something for people to travel here for they will come and that is what will make us grow,” shared Mr Penson.
Golf wasn’t the only sport Maurice excelled in with his sporting career beginning in tennis, winning the local tennis championship in 1948. In 1949 he won the local tennis and golf championships and he believed he could continue to do both sports but in 1950 the tennis and golf championship dates clashed, and he was forced to choose one over the other, with golf being his preferred sporting path. In his younger years Mr Penson was approached to join the professional golf circuit but decided against it because he wanted to stay home and make a difference to the prosperity of Young by running his business.
Maurice retired from golf in 2009 while his beloved wife Lorna was unwell, dedicating his time to caring for her but has since started playing again locally where at the age of ninety he is still winning B and C grade competitions.
Maurice has been an outstanding ambassador for the town of Young. “I congratulate Mr. Penson on his achievements and contribution to the Hilltops region. I also commend The Young Sports Advisory Committee for their tireless work in acknowledging and honouring the sporting heroes in our community,” said Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram.
The Sports Walk of Fame was established after identifying the importance of recognising local sporting heroes. It is funded by Hilltops Council and coordinated by the Young Sports Advisory Committee.
Expanding the Sports Walk of Fame signage is a part of the broader Burrangong Creek revitalisation project being undertaken by Council. Over the next 18 months the community will see a range of improvements to the Burrangong Creek area including an inclusive playground, more pathways, installation of public art, environmental improvements and installation of outdoor fitness equipment.
-Ends-
Media Contact
Sarah Karaitiana 0418 755 092