Lake Karrinyup member the distinguished John Hopkins, past Captain and President of the Lake Karrinyup Club and past Chair of GolfWA and Golf Australia was given the opportunity to address the gathered players in a skim through the great playing history and contribution of Justin Seward.
John acknowledged the idea for the trophy had started with LKCC historian Ralph Gibson, quickly got the support of the Seward Family and LKCC management and then further quickly agreed and supported by Cottesloe Golf Club.
John noted could be no more appropriate name than Justin for his combined efforts at both clubs, 7 Club Championships at Cottesloe and 11 Club Championships at Lake Karrinyup just one indicator. A full list of his key playing record is below.
John noted that Justin a long standing and distinguished member of both clubs. Cottesloe from 1945 until his passing aged 74 in 1996, an A-Grade pennant player for Cottesloe 1947-1958 with his playing allegiances then with Lake Karrinyup from the 1960’s on while a member from 1955-1996.
An outstanding golfer and arguably one of the best WA Amateur Golfers in history as his record across both clubs suggests.
John Hopkins noted an example of Justin’s golfing longevity was when in 1972, at age 50, he was a semi-finalist in the WA Amateur and on the day previous in the Saturday Lake Karrinyup competition, playing off +2 shot a 64 gross with two eagles and walked into the clubhouse courtyard and got a standing ovation.
John noted his pleasure that Justin’s sons Stephen and Leo in attendance and playing, with both members of LKCC in excess of 50 years. Stephen’s son Ben also a member of both clubs and clearly got a good measure of Justin’s golfing genes pass down, continuing to play great golf for Cottesloe and had been the 2011 WA Strokeplay Champion along with a great pennant contribution in his 20 years of CGC membership.
John felt the naming of the trophy to honour Justin’s record acknowledges the great relationship the two clubs have and will add further profile and meaning to future events. John then invited the attendees to stand and proposed a toast to the Justin Seward Trophy and Justin’s memory which was enthusiastically accepted and John’s great presentation then warmly applauded by all.