Celebrating Our Legends – Keith Mico

Keith Mico, widely known as ‘Sport’ has had a long and distinguished golfing journey behind him.  A native of England Keith commenced his golf in Kent at the Cray Valley Golf Club.  It was during this period that he had his first hole in one.  Playing in a pro-am he hit a strong iron shot that never left the pin.  However given the pin was tucked behind a high bunker he didn’t see it go in.  A crowd had gathered to view the play and erupted.  However Keith was reluctant to celebrate as he had taken the day off from work and didn’t want his colleagues and boss to know why he was away.

His journey to Spring Valley started in 1981 when he arrived in Australia as a self-funded migrant.  He commenced work immediately and amid discussions with work mates he found his way to our club having passed Southern and Kingswood in the process.  Following a conversation with then Kingswood pro (and later Spring Valley pro) Doug Horne he duly paid his fees and started a successful playing and social career some 6 weeks after arriving in the Country.  He has lived his entire Australian life in Dingley Village some 4 minutes from the first tee.

Keith’s golfing success is extensive and includes:

• 2017 B Grade Club Champion
• 1998, 2002 and 2008 Club Senior Champion
• 2010 Foursomes Handicap with John Scheffer
• Two Monthly Medals
• Six holes in one evenly spread between the 3^rd and 5^th holes

His service to pennant is extraordinary.  He played 15 years in the Ron Budge Senior Pennant (one year undefeated) and has played 5 years in the John Philp handicap pennant (still on-going).

He caddied for 30 years for the Men, Colts (now Youth) and Sunday Women’s pennant teams.  He continues to offer his services to players who hope to compete in tournaments such as the Australian Open when the qualifying round is played at Spring Valley.

Perhaps most impressive is his performance in daily competitions.  At the age of 83 years young Keith has now beaten his age on no fewer than 12 occasions. When asked about this feat he simply replied ‘the older I get the easier it is to achieve’.

Another memorable moment came when during the pro-am to the Victorian Open at Spring Valley he had the opportunity to play with a 14 year old female who had just won the US Junior Championship. A player he was enthralled to watch and learn from as she plotted her way strategically around our course. That young Western Australian was none other than Minjee Lee!

He simply loves our club and course; one that he rates well above some that pundits would have us believe are better.  On a recent trip back to the UK he visited Sunningdale a course well known as one of the best.  However Keith believes that Spring Valley is a superior offering.  He has seen many changes over the years and while not a great fan of trees being removed, he rates the course as outstanding with superior conditioning.

He remembers the days of no timesheets and given he had not been a member for very long he initially struggled to get a regular game but he soon settled in and found many friends who he has shared so many wonderful and memorable experiences.  Regular playing partners included Russell Simmons, Glen Wittingslow, Phil Campbell and John Scheffer.  A large number of pennant players can be added to this list. In recent years he enjoyed the company of members such as Dave Potts and Gerald March amongst others who have since left the club.  He particularly reflects on Gerald who is currently battling a major illness.

A person who simply loves practice you can find him most days grinding it out on the Northern practice fairway and green always attempting to improve an already well grooved and excellent swing.  His short game of pitching, chipping and putting are a testament to all that practice and the envy of many.

But his story would not be complete if his love of bike riding was not mentioned. Still riding today he wears the scars of being a ‘reasonable amateur’.  To say he is fanatical about the Tour de France is very much an understatement.

So this Saturday raise a glass for this loyal and loved member who has given so much to what is Spring Valley.  You may find him on the course, on the putting green or on the practice fairway.  Shake his hand and thank him for choosing to come to Australia and settle in Victoria and of course choosing Spring Valley as his golfing destination.

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