This Is Our Story

The Nomads Golf Club was founded in 1960 in South Africa, when a small group of businessmen came together to enjoy fellowship and friendly competition on the golf course. Over the decades, this humble beginning has evolved into an international community, committed to the promotion of golf, charity work, and camaraderie.

The South African Nomads have an outstanding reputation for discipline, professionalism, and the respectful conduct of their members — both on and off the course. With a membership of over 3,000, Nomads now includes:

• 12 clubs in South Africa

• 3 clubs in Zimbabwe

• 1 club in Botswana

• 1 club in New Zealand

• 5 clubs in Australia

Nomads members also play a vital role in the South African PGA Golf Tour, volunteering as marshals and scorekeepers at events throughout the country.

Nomads South Africa is governed by a national executive committee, elected annually by representatives from all clubs across the country. The committee model ensures continuity and professional management that’s consistent with the core values of the organisation.

 

The Origins of Nomads in Australia

The Nomads Golf Club of Australia was officially launched in November 2003 in Sydney, led by Wayne Richardson, a former Southern Natal Nomads Captain. The enthusiasm for Nomads quickly grew, and a second Sydney-based club was established in June 2005. These clubs became known as Sydney North and Sydney Hills, respectively. However, by December 2006, the Sydney Hills members were reincorporated into the Sydney North Club.

Soon after, Paul McIlroy, a former Gauteng Nomad, identified the potential for a new club in Brisbane. After a successful five-month trial period with a social golf group called the Springaroos, the Nomads Golf Club Brisbane was born on 27th July 2008, launching with 46 founding members.

As interest continued to grow, the Sydney South club was inaugurated in 2011, under the leadership of Tony Gooding and a passionate group of members from Sydney North. Sydney South quickly gained momentum and was proudly represented at the third Australian National Tournament held in October 2011.

The fourth Australian club — Nomads Golf Club Perth — was launched in July 2013 with John Erasmus, a former Sydney Nomad, as its founding Captain. Today, the Perth club reflects the international character of Nomads, with members from South Africa, Zimbabwe, the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, all united by shared values and a love for golf.

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A Global Connection

Nomads Australia maintains a strong bond with its roots in South Africa. Each year, the National President of Nomads Australia, along with several club members, travel to South Africa to participate in the Nomads National Tournament — one of the largest amateur golf tournaments in the world. It’s a week of unforgettable golf, friendship, and international fellowship.

 

Looking Ahead

The future of Nomads Golf in Australia is bright. While local nuances are embraced, each new chapter must honour the core principles of the original South African Constitution:

• The furtherance of golf

• Support for those less fortunate than ourselves

• Fellowship

With these enduring values as our guide, the possibilities for continued growth and impact are endless.