History

In the mid to late 80's, probably 1986, what we now know as the FROGS came into existence as a "golf trip of a lifetime". It began in Brisbane when King Kong, Crazy and Greatwhite set out for Newcastle from the Gold Coast (to the tunes of Spandau Ballet). From there they headed on to Canberra and then on to the sandbelt in Melbourne. A stop at Cobram on the way back to watch the Grand Final before heading straight back to the coast. Fifteen games in twelve days saw three very tired golfing footballers. King Kong prevailed in the battle for the Golden Shoe award.

Easy to see that nothing has changed in 25years. Awarding the "Golden Shoe".

The following year Frontlawn (Rex Lawn) replaced King Kong and the destination was again Melbourne. As in the year before the golf was again crammed into a hectic travelling schedule. Grumpy even made a cameo appearance at Peninsula.

A very slim Grumpy. Front Lawn.

The next year saw a mini bus hired for a trip to Newcastle, Nelson Bay and a very wet Riverside Oaks. Eight from Brisbane met up with Crazy and three of his mates.

Crazy then headed off to New Zealand and a couple of trips were made to "God's Own".

The Bear and Greatwhite as part of a trip to NZ possibly '93 taken at Lake Taupo.

1999 saw the first official trip under the FROGS banner when Clackers, Mayor, Rodent and Greatwhite had a week at Yarrawonga. The Mayor was crowned the first "TOP FROG". This award being made in front of an audience of over 300 screaming women. When asked what FROGS stood for the Mayor responded with the now immortal "..we left Queensland a week ago as Four Rotten Old Golfers, but will be returning home as Four Randy Old Golfers". The resultant screams and several offers to "remedy" the problem meant a hasty retreat back to Melbourne was quickly undertaken.

The making of a FROG legend.

2001 A short trip to New England in NSW with Burger, Rodent, Mayor and Greatwhite. Burger won both the Frog award and best golfer.

Burger held his nerve to out play Greatwhite over the last 9 holes at Tenterfield to win the Golfing Frog

The next trip in 2002 included Mayor, Rodent, Moody, Burger, Greatwhite, Toota, Clackers and the Phantom (aka Crazy) saw the FROGS at Yarrawonga again. Crazy won his first FROG award while Greatwhite was the Golfing Frog

2003 Saw the Frogs off to Coffs Harbour with the introduction of Wally and Gunsynd joining Toota, Stalk (Jim Barnes), Rodent, Burger, Greatwhite and Moody. Wally got up for the Frog award. Greatwhite pissed everyone off by winning 5 of the 10 nearest the pins and won the Golfing Frog award.

Murray Downs was the 2004 destination and the numbers have now increased to 12. Harby, Gunsynd, Toad (Bob Parker) and Grumpy where added to Crazy, Wally, Moody, Burger, Clackers, Rodent, Mayor and Greatwhite. Greatwhite won the Frog award, although the voting was a sham and resulted in the voting being taken from the silly frogs. Greatwhite also won the Golfing frog award.

Frogs of 2004.

2005 To Merimbula on the beach with 12 again. Harby, Gunsynd, Clackers, Wally, Burger, Rodent, Grumpy, Crazy, Moody, Greatwhite, Mayor,and the introduction of Bear (who replaced Toad). Burger was voted Top Frog with Bear a close second. Rodent got up to win The Golfing Frog after having a very consistent week.

Back to Yarrawonga Golfers Resort for 2006. The numbers have now jumped to 16 with the welcome return of King Kong (Gorilla legend and one of the initial travellers see 1987). This year also saw the introduction of Miner, Lego and Army all the way from NZ. Crazy a runaway winner of the Top Frog, but memorable contributions from the "oldest" new Frogs in Miner and Lego. Greatwhite won the Best Golfer.

2007 The reputation of the Frogs continues to grow. The start of the year saw the sad passing of Lego. Inconsiderate staff meant that Grumpy was also missing, however the inclusion of first timers: Bruno, Flasher, Bottlemart, Barney, Chopper and Plugger meant that the group is now up to 20 - where will it end?

The main destination was Rich River with a stop on the way to savour the delights of Growling Frog (a course obviously named after the group!!). The drive to Moama resulted in the "road testing" of Bruno's (aka Dr Hose) clubs and several overnight bags. After 4 eventful days of golf, the caravan made their way to Shepparton for a moving and memorable awards night made possible by the outstanding hospitality of the "S-O-M". A game at Shep before heading back home. This year saw the first joint winners of the Top Frog with the award shared by Bruno and Miner. Greatwhite again wins Best Golfer. Crazy adds NAGA to his list of "non" achievements.

FROGS 2007

2008

Saw the FROGs return to Yarrawonga. Accommodation, golf and transport were booked on the course. New invitees this year are Gary "Dinky" Toye, Daryl "Dazzler" Traynor, Doug "Backhoe" Everitt and of course the returning "Grumpy" mean that the group now numbers 24. Spectacular accommodation and ordinary golf was the order of the week. Highlight of the week was the par round by Greatwhite on The Yarrawonga Murray Course ( see honour board ) and a one over par on The Yarrawonga Lakes Course. Bottlemart won his first Top Frog and Greatwhite won The Golfing Frog.

FROGS ON THE RIVER

2009 Time for another new venue and Mittagong was the preferred location. Golf at Bowral Country Club, Bowral, Mossvale, Kangaroo Valley and Mittagong. Burger had a few stock problems and was replaced at the last minute by Danny Molan. Being big in the blind industry he was obviously ripe to be dubbed "Blind Freddy". Backhoe was a late scratching which opened the way for Matthew "Dingo' Robinson to fill in on a few rounds. Leggo was the Dingo's grandfather. The year provided some memorable moments. The first hole in one by Chopper on day one set the tone for the rest of the week. The trip to Kangaroo Valley via Fitzroy Falls and the spectacular views were other highlights. Dinky had a very consistent tour and won Top Golfing Frog. Chopper added to his reputation by being named Top Frog.

HIGHLAND FROGS Missing in Action

2010 Took in the delights of the Bellarine Peninsula on Port Phillip Bay. The original plan was for 28 with Alfred and Vincent were the new tadpoles and Toota returned along with Backhoe and Burger who had missed 2009 for personal reasons. Final numbers were 29 after Wally gained a late reprieve. This created a large number of logistical problems but was sorted in the end. All the important information about the trip is included under the Photos and Result pages. In another first, an "unlucky" Burger tripped over a rope on the 16th hole at 13th Creek Beach course and broke a bone in his elbow which required an operation on his return to Brisbane. The Rest of the World scored an upset win aginst the Big V in the inaugral Lego Challenge.

2011 After much debate and investigation the destination was on site accommodation at Corowa Golf Club. The trip was bought forward a week to commence on the 20th February through to 26th. Sly, Toota and Barney failed to make the trip from last year and the remaining 26 Frogs enjoyed unlimited golf at Corowa for three days with additional games on Tuesday at Tocumwal and Thursday (Albury). The Kiwi connection finally played at a level close to their reputations with Army winning the Golfing Frog and the reconstituted "Golden Shoe" Award after it's surprise discovery in a garage. The biggest competition came from very consistent performers in the Miner and Chopper. A revamped Top Pond competition was won by a much improved Blind Freddy with support from Crazy. The Lego challenge proved a popular and tightly fought competition where the Rodent skippered Big V atoned for their disappointing performance at Bellarine in 2010.

The venue for 2012 was the spectacular Hunter Valley. Accommodation was on course where a week of highly competitive golf and other activities was conducted. The return of Sly and an invite was extended to Squeaky who is a prominent member of the Lands Social Golf Club who seemed to fit the Frog bill perfectly. Backhoe 'blew' his knee and was replaced by Hoppy. This resulted in an uneven number and Dinky's business partner Sumo was also invited. At the last minute Burger was required in Sydney on Wednesday in an unrelated matter and Backhoe (who had made a very speedy recovery from knee surgery) jumped at the chance to come along. This left 28 to sort out Top Frog, Golfing Frog, Top Pond, Leggo and and newly created Matchplay champion events.

2013 venue was Barham with games at Cohuna and Kerang. Only 21 Frogs made the trip. Missing from the previous year were GR8-1, Crazy, Gunsynd, Burger, Grumpy, Dazzler, Sumo and Sly. Plugger took over the reins from GR8-1 and Crazy and won the Top Frog award for his efforts. King Kong led the ROW to victory in the Leggo and Dinky won his second Golfing Frog as well as the matchplay.

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