A sport social in nature, winning club championships isn't the be-all for all south-west players.

Some, like Warrnambool junior Lachie Walker, have ambitions of taking the game as far as they can and foresee a career down the track.

For others, like eight-time Port Fairy champion Rex Grady, playing twice a week is the perfect way to remain involved in a club.

Rosemary Walters, meanwhile, is competitive but has a hit primarily for the fun of it.

The Standard has spoken to four south-west golfers about their passion for the game and why they choose to spend their time chasing birdies and eagles.

Lachie Walker hopes to emulate Warrnambool's own Marc Leishman.

The 14-year-old, who already plays off a 14 handicap, practices regularly with his father, Paul, at the club's facilities after school.

When he's not at the club, he's hitting balls and practising putting at the family's backyard golf complex.

"By the end of my teens I'd like to be out of the (above par-handicap)," Walker says.

"But I'd love to make professional out of it. Whether that's on the PGA Tour or just being a teaching pro in a pro shop.

"Something to do with golf is my ultimate goal for the future."

Walker tried football, basketball and cricket but has settled on golf as his sport of choice.

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"I like golf because when I play it, the only person I can blame is myself," he says.

"If I have a bad round, I can't blame anyone else. I also like the team element to it with pennant and all of that stuff."

As the old adage goes, there's no substitute for hard work. Walker knows this. He's hitting the gym as a part of a South West Academy of Sport program and working hard under coach Craig Bonney.

"Being in the gym has helped my core strength, upper body and legs a lot," Walker says.

"It's been really good for me since I started."

Rex Grady, on the other hand, has been there and done it all.

The 71-year-old started playing golf as a 28-year-old when injury ended his football career. Eight club championships ensued.

Grady looks back on his time involved at Port Fairy Golf Links with pride.

"They went out there (Woodbine Road) in 1964 and it started as a nine-hole course," he says.

"We increased it in three-hole increments. It went from nine, to 12, to 15 and then to 18.

"The configuration of the course of where we started and where we've ended up has changed probably three or four times.

"Since then, it's just been the process of upgrading those 18 holes. It's just about improving things where we can, changing and tweaking little things.

"We're definitely proud of the course and the feedback we get."

Grady sold his farm at 54, but only spent a year out of work before returning as a painter. He plays at Port Fairy twice a week - on Wednesday and Saturday - and is still off a handicap of seven.

Despite his success on course, Grady says his golf experience has been about more than winning and competition.

"It's nice to win club championships, but is it the be all and end all?" he muses.

"No, I don't think so. It's nice to know when you look back at your career that once upon a time, you could play.

"A few years back, maybe 30 or so, you could play the game to a reasonable standard of country golf."

Grady says less volunteers at clubs was a noticeable change throughout his time playing the sport.

"Golf has changed as much when I first started, everyone participated in running a club, because you had to," he says.

"We were all volunteers. It's a bit sad to see it turn into carpark golf, in that people turn up, play, put the clubs in the car and go home.

"I understand the reasons that happens - both partners are working and other reasons - but it's a bit sad because they miss the enjoyment of the club atmosphere.

"Having a drink afterwards, mingling and telling a few lies, moaning about the shot that could've been but wasn't, and that sort of thing.

"But you can't change progress - that's just the way society has gone."

His favourite course? Port Fairy, he says with a laugh. Cape Wickham - Australia's number one-ranked public access course - is up there too.

Grady also enjoys Warrnambool, the home of Rosemary Walters.

Walters started at Axedale - just east of Bendigo - but moved to the south-west 12 years ago.

"I played tennis and the natural progression was to come over and play golf," she says.

"I think the social side of the game is a really important part of it.

"You do need a fair bit of time to play it though so I can understand why that's a bit hard for women who are juggling children and work."

Walters takes the sport seriously, but enjoyment is paramount.

"I always try my hardest and you get disappointed when you hit a bad shot," she laughs.

"I do enjoy getting out and playing and if I get a good result, that's a good day.

"But golf can be whatever you want it to be. You can play to win, or it can be an avenue to have a social hit. Regardless, we all try our best."

She says Warrnambool is welcoming new ladies players and encouraged learners to consider the club's Monday beginners program.

Golf is a family affair for Terang-based teacher Liam Venn.

The Terang club captain's parents played and his love for the game was born when Warrnambool-based professional Craig Bonney ran a clinic at his school.

"The fact that it's social but that it's different from a team game (is appealing). You're only letting yourself down," Venn says.

"It's not like cricket or footy where you commit to the season. If you want to go away and miss a week, you can."

He says the club is booming since returning from its coronavirus-enforced hiatus.

He is positive for its future.

"We've got a good mix of members. Phil Beasley has put in a lot of work with the juniors," Venn says.

"There are a couple there who are going to be very good golfers. One of the good things is that everyone out here is happy to play with everyone.

"Absolutely everyone is welcome to have a hit with us at Terang."

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