Check out the first edition of our new website and E News feature of ‘Get to know your Committee’ with our President Bruno Battistella
What sparked your interest in golf and when did you join The Grange Golf Club?
My father, Seve Battistella (yes, the Italian version of Seve Ballesteros!) was a keen golfer (achieving a handicap of 4.0 in his younger days) and a long-time member of The Grange Golf Club. It was he who introduced me to golf and sparked my passion in the game.
I joined The Grange Golf Club in April 1995 (a member now for 26 years).
What is your favourite hole on the golf courses and the hole you just can’t seem to master?
My favourite hole would have to be the Par 3, 15th Hole on the East Course. Greg Norman designed and created this picturesque hole some 9 years ago, from what was bushland and a dumping ground, and although it is supposedly one of the easiest holes on the course, certainly creates a challenge if one is short or long with the placement of the surrounding bunkers.
My not so favourite hole would be the Par 4, 7th West. The fairway bunkers left and right are not my best friends and then, when in the greenside bunker on the right, a narrow green does not allow much room to get up on the green and hold there before rolling off the other side. (That is why I play off approximately 15-16 handicap!)
What has been the highlight in your golfing journey to date?
Obviously, being the President of The Grange Golf Club, for what is now my 7th year, is the major highlight in my golfing journey to date. Being President when the Club hosted both the 2016 and 2019 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open is certainly up there in my memorable highlights.
What is your go to lunch order in the Bistro/Grilled @ Grange?
I am a fan of the Salt & Pepper Squid, always amazing.
What do you do with yourself outside the golf club?
I am a Chartered Accountant with my own practice in North Adelaide. That keeps me extremely busy but, as a grandfather with twin 3 year old boys as grandsons, I enjoy spending as much time with them as possible.
Dead or alive, who would you most like to meet?
Elvis Presley.
Music has always played a big part in my life, having been in a band for over 20 years (that was a long time ago). I grew up with Elvis Presley songs and his unique style influenced the music I played. Elvis was a cultural icon and certainly deserved his title as the “King of Rock & Roll”.
Favourite memory you have had at the golf club?
A number of years ago I was speaking with a member of the golf club in the car park who had just finished playing his round on a Saturday. He pulled up next to me in a motorised cart and proceeded to complain to me that it was time he gave the game away as it took him 4 shots to get to the green on a Par 4 (when he was young he apparently used to play off a handicap of 4 but he was now playing off 36). When I asked him his age, he replied that he was 92! I told him that if I was still alive at 92 I would be a happy man.
The chat I had with this gentleman some 10 years ago now, and whom I understand has since passed away, just highlighted to me how wonderful the game of golf is. From the very young to the very old, from male to female, from every different race or creed, golf is a sport that places no barriers on those who wish to participate. We are so very lucky to be able to play this wonderful game, especially at The Grange.
What’s the best score you have ever shot at Grange?
81 off the stick on the West course – many years ago!
What motivated you to join The Grange Golf Club Committee?
I owe that all to former Grange Golf Club President – Kerry McGorm. Kerry knew that I had been involved in a social golf club committee for 24 years, including 10 years as President, and that I was a Chartered Accountant. Kerry felt that I had strong financial and golf club administration experience and believed in me as a long-term candidate for Committee and, potentially, a future leader of the Club. I thank Kerry for the approach to join his Committee at the time and I hope that I have lived up to his expectations.
What do you love about The Grange Golf Club?
I love everything about the Grange Golf Club.
It presents to members and guest’s two championship golf courses which, at the moment, are as good as I have ever seen them.
The Clubhouse, including the Members Bar, function rooms, Bistro, locker rooms, Gym and facilities are excellent.
Our Pro-shop run by Warren Mercer and his staff is second to none in this state.
The Club’s Management and Staff are welcoming, attentive and accommodating.
Our members are friendly and supportive of other members and guests to the Club.
The Grange is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy and I am proud to be both a member and President.
GET TO KNOW YOUR COMMITTEE FEATURE – Bruno Battistella
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