EVER-busy Rosewood Golf Club president Jamie Soppa is standing down at the forthcoming annual general meeting.
As much as he enjoys every moment at the club, Jamie’s work demands have forced him to give up the leadership role.
He has been working 70 hours a week lately with his Brisbane panel company.
However, Jamie has plenty to be excited about before he hands over the reins in December.
The club is preparing for its 70th anniversary gala dinner function this month after a two-man ambrose competition in the morning.
Jamie expects a big turnout and lots of reminiscing about the club’s achievements and loyal members.
A nine-hole course was opened in 1954 before being expanded to 18 holes in 1991.
Another major event is this month’s Rosewood Open, a one-day competition with regional appeal.
“That will be one of our biggest days of the year because all the top players from all the other top clubs come and play as well,” Jamie said.
Jamie is also delighted with club’s Division 1 and 2 Moreton District pennants teams, which are in second spot and both in strong positions to make the finals this year.
That Division 1 side has just upstaged Laidley 8-1 in an impressive victory [see story page 15]
Among recent events at the Karrabin-Rosewood Road venue were a Lions Day on October 19 in memory of club founder Noel Hayes.
The front nine holes are named after Noel.
Jamie also appreciated the growing support for the club’s Memorial Day on October 12, where deceased members were remembered.
Life member and valuable volunteer Lorraine Hunter was one of the club’s greats who recently passed away.
“She was very well liked and was a big help, especially to all the captains,” Jamie said.
As he looks to next month’s AGM, Jamie was proud of his stint in charge.
“I’ve always said I’d only do it for two years and I’ve found it hard to get to everything,” he said.
“I want to be out there every day of the week but it’s very hard still being a full-time worker and this time of the year – from September to December – I’ll probably get one or two games in.”
He hopes the new president can commit the time needed to build on recent club successes.
“I will support the club to the hilt,” he said.
“I won’t be a member anywhere else.”
Jamie became involved in the Rosewood club in 2003 through his mum Jill, a long-time club member and nurse who passed away in 2020.
Jamie didn’t look back, being selected as club president last year after committee roles “on and off” since 2014.
But what gives Jamie the most satisfaction is seeing golfers challenging themselves on the greens and enjoying the social interaction back in the clubhouse.
