General news
24 January, 2025
Frank the Tank still going strong at Weethalle Country Club
At 87 years young, Frank Studholme is still very active. For 23 years, since 2002, Frank has been the dedicated green keeper at Weethalle Country Club in rural New South Wales, a role he initially agreed to take on for just 12 months. Now, over two decades later, he continues to tend to the greens with unwavering commitment, holding the distinction of possibly being Australia's oldest green keeper.
Frank’s journey to Weethalle began in 1975, when he arrived in the small Australian town after a decade of farm life in Victoria. But his roots trace back even further — to the rolling hills of Cumbria, in the North of England, nestled between Newcastle and Manchester. It was in this rugged countryside that Frank grew up before deciding to make a life-changing move to Australia in the early 1960s. He married his wife Nancy, also from Cumbria, in 1963. They braved the unknown together, arriving in Australia in February 1964, where the summer heat hit them like a brick wall.
"I remember that heat shock," Frank chuckles, recalling the sweltering Australian summer that was a far cry from the cold, icy climate of Northern England. "But we were young and ready for adventure."
Though Nancy, his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, passed away in 2020, Frank remains grounded by his family. His children, now adults, live in Australia, and he has 12 grandchildren aged between 14 and 30. Even in his later years, Frank’s strong family connections continue to be a central part of his life.
His role as green keeper at the Country Club has been a long-standing part of that life.
“I never imagined I’d still be doing this at my age,” he admits.
“I thought I’d be done after a year or two, but here I am. It’s something I enjoy, and it gives me a reason to get up every morning.”
Frank’s passion for the club is reflected in his careful attention to every detail, and his dedication has been key in keeping the greens in top shape. His role at the club has expanded beyond green keeping as well; for several years, he served as the club's President, pushing for the growth of local sporting activities and encouraging community participation. However, he does lament the fact that fewer people seem interested in playing sports these days, especially in rural areas.
Though Frank did return to the UK in 2011, to visit his brothers and reconnect with family, Australia has long been his home. He doesn’t have any plans of slowing down any time soon. His days are filled with green keeping, playing a little bit of bowls, and the joy of spending time with his children and grandchildren.
With the country club’s pennants bowls season approaching, Frank is also looking forward to getting involved once again. But he remains ever the realist when it comes to the future.
"You’ve got to keep going while you can," he says.
"Find something to do, and stick with it."
Frank Studholme’s story is one of resilience, commitment, and the power of finding purpose — something that has kept him going for well over eight decades. Whether he’s mowing the greens or raising a glass with family, Frank continues to live life to the fullest, serving as an inspiration to those around him.
In a world that often seems to move too quickly, Frank reminds us that sometimes, the key to a long, fulfilling life is simply finding something you love, and doing it with heart.
“The secret to a long life?” Frank says with a smile, “A few Reschs Beers or a glass of red wine here and there.” And while his love of the occasional drink is clear, it’s his enduring spirit, grounded in work and family, that truly seems to be the secret to his longevity.
Read More: Weethalle
