The story of Eric Apperly – designer of the Newcastle golf course

Son of the AMP Society’s Secretary, Eric Apperly grew up in what could only be considered affluent circumstances in Sydney society. Educated at the University of Sydney, obtaining an Architecture degree, he not only designed buildings, but also golf courses. As such, he was likely the first trained design professional in Australia to engage in golf course design. Others, such as civil engineer Alex Russell, soon followed in his footsteps.

Early days and golfing success

Eric’s father Henry Wellstead Apperly, was born in Melbourne and his mother was Alice Langton Apperly. Henry became the Secretary of the AMP Society – one of the largest insurance companies in the country. Born on 16th September 1889 in Sydney, Eric Langton Apperly was known as the ‘boy champion’ in his early golfing years. He reportedly took up the game to improve his delicate health, and at the age of 16, the young fellow described as “a sickly boy”, made the final of the 1907 NSW Amateur Championship, only to lose on the 37th. A tall and gangly individual, he went on to win five NSW Amateur Championships whilst a member of Killara Golf Club and later Manly Golf Club, the first in 1912 and the last in 1930.

Apperly’s most famous victory came in 1920 as the first New South Welshman to win the Australian Amateur Championship, defeating Tommy Howard 4 and 3 at The Australian. Apperly also won the 1921 Australian Foursomes Championship. He was selected in the NSW state team in 1906 – and was still there over 20 years later – a remarkable feat of longevity.

The Sydney Mail described Apperly’s technique as “unorthodox, looking at times almost clumsy”, but added ”He gets results and as a fighter he knows no equal.” Jack Pollard wrote in his book Australian Golf - the Game and the Players that:

“Apperly’s game looked undistinguished but he hit most of his shots straight, if not in copybook fashion, and he was a relentless fighter. He was chosen to play for Australia against Great Britain in 1934 at the age of 45, but it will be for his work as a golf course architect that he will be remembered…”

Eric married Marjorie Audet in 1923 and they had one child, a son Richard Eric Apperly, who was born in Sydney in 1925. He too became an architect. Richard married Myrna Hirsch in 1957 and they had three sons – all born in Sydney.