Hundreds of people gathered at the Maryborough Golf Club last month to commemorate and celebrate the life of Andrew Maggs, beloved club member and former course super-intendant, after he recently lost his battle with cancer.

Andrew has been remembered as a loving husband to wife Jo, a dedicated father to their young sons Sam and Leo, a precious son himself to Janne and Ross Maggs and a much loved brother.

He was a great contributor to many sports, particularly that of hockey which he formerly played at state level and golf, both in his home town of Albury and his second home, Maryborough, where he passed on November 7 surrounded by his family.

Andrew was able to get in a round of golf at the Maryborough course recently, a place where he was widely adored and was employed  when he began his battle with cancer two years ago. 

Former director of golf at the Maryborough Golf Club, Atrel Turner, spoke at the memorial service and said the board was privileged to have Andrew involved in their organisation. 

“The Maryborough Golf Club (MGC) advertised extensively for a course superintendent in January 2015. A chance visit by Andrew Maggs to MGC led to a tour of the course and follow up interview for the position. He impressed the board with his honesty and vision for the course,” Mr Turner said. 

“His role was to take the course to the next level, as well as the bowling greens. Improvements to the golf course were noticed immediately with bunker preparation and green surrounds being prepared in a way the members had never seen before. 

“At his first greens committee meeting, Andrew presented photographs of areas he felt required immediate attention and included how this could be achieved.

These recommendations were immediately passed and before long Andrew and his team set about tackling the issues. 

“For the first time the golf course had a strategic plan which Andrew had put together with recommendations to occur over a five-year period. This plan gave guidance to the board and many aspects have been completed.

“Nobody told Andrew of the sub-soil condition on the course, but he soon discovered we had little topsoil for our grass to grow in. Then we were hit by three very dry summer periods which disrupted the progress of Andrew’s plan.

“The recycled water in each of these years was turned off in early December which meant reduced watering for the whole complex.

“This was a very stressful time for Andrew and his team as fairways started to dry out, tees and greens required hand watering. You would often see Andrew out late into the night hand watering the greens.

“A meeting was set up with Central Highlands Water where Andrew stated the MGC case and from that meeting an agreement was structured to give town water at a reduced rate to the club. That was still not enough for Andrew, so he approached SONAC regarding their recycled water and from that meeting we now get 13 megalitres of water a year from them.” 

Diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019, Andrew was forced to take leave from the role, however his relationship with the local golfing community was sustained due to his passion and eagerness to help.

Mr Turner said Andrew was a great mentor to course staff and a respected golfer in his own right. 

“It broke Andrew’s heart when he could no longer work. Even though he was very ill, Andrew continued to take a keen interest in his golf course and mentored the current course superintendent,” he said.

“Andrew’s commitment to the MGC was a family affair with his wife Jo by his side and his beloved sons Sam and Leo joining in when they arrived on the scene.

“Andrew was also a golf member of MGC where he played off single figures. During his time at the club, he captained a successful pennant team taking out the division two pennant.

“He continued to play golf under duress and his last round was just prior to his passing, with his adorable sons Sam and Leo as his caddies.

“As well as golf, Andrew was a state league hockey player where he was highly regarded. Even when Andrew couldn’t play anymore due to his illness, he continued his involvement in hockey by coaching a Bendigo team.

“Andrew was an inspiration to all, and the Maryborough Golf Club was blessed to have such a dedicated course superintendent. His legacy and friendship will be fondly remember by all who were privileged to know him.”

A fundraiser for Andrew’s family has been set up and can be accessed at: www.gofundme.com/f/maggsys-legacy-his-boys