Celebrating Our Legends – Steve Foulds

Introducing Steve Foulds: a man of many talents, a club office bearer, a multiple winner of major events, and always ready to assist the club at any turn.

Those who know him best, however, might first mention his cheeky smile, expert sledging, and fierce determination. His laughter is infectious, as is his desire to play for the club he loves and to represent it on as many fronts as he feels necessary.

Steve began his journey in September 1971 as an eleven-year-old, caddying for club legends Harry Gale, Jack Khouri, and Jack Smale. He continued this for several years, graduating to working in the pro shop, cleaning and buffing clubs under the careful tutelage of club pros Ross Jones, Ron Wood, Lin Jacquelin, and Brian Dowell, but only after fulfilling his caddying duties first. Even in those days, he would greet you with a quick one-liner if your form wasn’t as good as it should be!

In 1975, Steve transitioned from worker to member, delayed largely due to the club policy of having an age limit for new junior members.

His golfing ability took off almost immediately, playing junior (now Youth) pennant in 1975. This continued for seven years until 1981, with him captaining the team for two years. He didn’t rest there, however, going on to play in the Men’s Team from 1982 to 1989, culminating in being part of the 1987 winning Division 3 Team. He then took on the Manager’s role in 1990. A true pennant and club man.

A lesser-known achievement was Steve’s representation of Victoria in the 1977 All Schools State Team, playing in NSW.

Steve has been a prolific winner across a broad spectrum of events:

B Grade Club Champion: 1978 and 1992
Spring Valley Cup: 1978 (with long-term close friend Colin Smale) and 2007 (with club legend and close friend Harry Marks)
Club Foursome Champion: 2002-2004 (with champion golfer Greg Ebinger)
Philip Courtney Trophy: 2023 (with Greg Ebinger)
Mixed Foursome Champion: 2001 (with R. Byrnes)
D. Leech Trophy: 2022
Captain’s Trophy: 2003
Nine monthly medals
Mid-week knockout: 2018
Inaugural Spring Valley/Woodlands Cup winner
Numerous daily competitions

He has had three holes-in-one.

Steve’s desire to give back to the club that embraced him as a youngster was very strong. He joined the General Committee/Board in 1993, served as Vice Captain from 1999-2001, and as Club Captain from 2002-2005. Along the way, he was Chair of the Match Committee, Chair of the Greens/Course Committee, and Handicapper.

He was a member of the 50th Anniversary Committee and the Port Arthur Charity Fundraiser Committee, the latter being especially important to Spring Valley Golf Club given our then club pro Doug Horne was shot and wounded during this infamous incident.

Steve has been a long-term member of the Grange/Spring Valley Challenge matches. While he took a break for several years to serve as President of his local Football Club, he has now returned to the fray and social camaraderie.

A person who never says never, Steve has now returned to the Board to provide guidance and assistance for the challenges ahead. He is a member of both the Membership and Greens Committees.

A long-time passionate Collingwood supporter, Steve once flung both arms into the air in celebration during a close match at AFL Park, unfortunately standing under a concrete overhang and breaking both hands. Having them in plaster for many weeks made him dependent on his family to feed and otherwise look after him—a task his wife remarked was like looking after another toddler.

Steve is loyal to a fault to those lucky enough to call him a friend. If you are so lucky, you are a friend for life. We are also fortunate that this fierce loyalty spills over to all things Spring Valley.

With a cheeky grin and captivating laugh, Steve will undoubtedly take both, along with a good portion of determination, when he and long-term friend Greg Ebinger tee it up against club legend Russell Simmons and past Captain Steve Ellis this Saturday in the final of the Spring Valley Cup. The only regret is that Steve can’t be the first person to win the competition that honors his 40+ membership. He would have loved to try!

This Saturday we celebrate Steve, say hello, shake his hand, buy him a beer (perhaps after his match!), and thank him for his long-term devotion to our club and his friendship over the years in so many diverse roles.

← Back to previous page