Man dies after freak accident at Portarlington Golf Club

The Age

By Damien Ractliffe

April 4, 2020

A 69-year-old man has died days after he was hit in the head by a golf ball in a freak accident at the Portarlington Golf Club.

Popular member Rod Gurney was playing in Tuesday’s men’s competition when he was struck by a ball hit by one of his playing partners.

Gurney was taken from the course to the clubhouse and treated by ambulance officers, but he was conscious and declined to go home according to a source familiar with the situation.

He was well enough to eat a sandwich and go home, but his wife noticed a deterioration in his condition over the next few days.

He was taken to Geelong Hospital, then transferred to the Alfred Hospital. He died on Saturday afternoon.

“It is with immense sadness that Portarlington Golf Club advises that Rod Gurney, a muchloved member, has passed away,” the club said in a statement on Sunday.

“Rod was struck by a golf ball during Tuesday’s men’s competition. He was taken from the course to the clubhouse and treated by ambulance officers, who subsequently took him home.

“His condition became worse later that day and he was taken to a Geelong hospital before being transferred to a Melbourne hospital.

“Sadly, his condition deteriorated through the week and, surrounded by family, he passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon. Rod was 69.

“PGC chief executive Michael Phillips remains in constant contact with the family to offer any support required.

“With the assistance of Golf Australia, the club’s immediate focus is to support the members and staff directly involved in the accident and provide counselling as required.”