NEWLY-elected Rosewood Golf Club president Jamie Soppa was a more than handy soccer player in his day.
The former St Helen’s centre back shared in Colts premiership-winning and Reserve Grade grand final sides in the 1980s.
But while he enjoyed his long stint in soccer, golf was never far away.
His mum Jill, a long-time Rosewood Golf Club member and nurse who passed away in 2020, got Jamie started around 2003.
Jamie didn’t look back, being selected as club president in November last year after committee roles “on and off” since 2014.
Apart from a six month stint playing at the Ipswich Golf Club, Jamie has remained a loyal Rosewood supporter.
He accepted his first term as president and was appreciative of the work done by past committee members including dedicated treasurer Don Butterfield.
“He’s the smartest man I know,” Soppa said.
“Without him, I believe this club wouldn’t be here.
“It [the club] has been running well the last few years.”
That’s why Soppa’s priorities include encouraging the club’s 200 plus members to enjoy their time more on the 18-hole course.
“I want to restructure things to make it easier for the players to come along,” he said.
“My main aim this year is to go and play with everyone I haven’t played with before. We have got a lot of new members, some real good golfers.”
Soppa is looking at regular prize options like vouchers that can put more money back into the club, which started as a nine-hole course in 1954.
The Rosewood course expanded to 18 holes in 1991 through a back nine land lease arrangement with club member Robbie Boughen.
Soppa said that was a positive arrangement for the community and the club.
Other developments on the Karrabin-Rosewood Road venue include relocating the clubhouse from its former nine hole position.
Looking out from the current building, visitors see a splendid ninth hole putting surface.
“The greens are probably in the best condition they’ve been in for 15 years,” he said.
However, unlike many other golf courses around South East Queensland, the Rosewood venue is more friendly for social golfers.
While competitive players can still challenge themselves on par three, four and five holes, the overall course is relatively flat.
That suits the 75 percent of members who are pensioners.
“People say golf is hard but when you play it a lot and you know where you are going, it’s one of the easier courses and the layout is good,” Soppa said.
“It’s a very walkable course. Here it’s just nice, flat.”
About 80 members play in regular Saturday competitions, including the current club championships running through March.
Other social golfers enjoy a range of Vets, Ladies and team events from Sunday to Friday.
In his new role as president, Yamanto-based Soppa wants to attract the next generation of players to keep the club progressing. That includes a junior program being run for the first time.
The Rosewood club is also part of Moreton and District Golf Association pennants. Rosewood is planning to field a nine-strong team in the first division competition starting in August.
Former Raceview State School and Bremer State High School student Soppa is joined on the management committee by treasurer Butterfield, vice-president Ken Parker, secretary Janelle Browning and her son Shane, who is club captain.
Soppa said clubhouse attendant Mary Gibson was among the many community-minded volunteers who kept everything ticking along.
Current greenskeeper Paul Toohey also received praise, especially with the course having a limited irrigation system.
Soppa said maintenance was an ongoing challenge for the club. He hopes future grants can assist with needed improvements.
However, enjoyment remains the focus for the St Helen’s Old Boys soccer and golf member who grew up in Ipswich after being born in Sydney.
He happily compared the two sports, which offers rewards in different ways.
“There is not a lot of people here who will practice golf but golf is sort of like muscle memory – you have got to play it once a week,” he said.
Having started soccer in 1972 and retiring in 1993, Soppa said more training was needed in that sport to maintain skills and fitness.
