H.L. Cargie Rymill, Herbet Lockett Rymill-nicknamed 'Cargie' after a character in an Adelaide play- was a massive influence on South Australian golf. With interest growing in the game, he would become involved in some of the country's oldest and greatest courses while having a steadfast commitment to his own, Australian style.
Born in Adelaide in 1870, he was initially a croquet player. After taking up golf, he became an important figure in the foundation of the Kooyonga Golf Club in 1922. Initially a member of Royal Adelaide,' Cargie' was unable to access the course via his normal means: the train. Taking a tram instead, he passed a vacant lot of land near Henley Beach. Seeing its fertile golfing potential, he bought the club.
Rymill had a theory that the greatest courses were initially 9 holes. He believed the back 9 could only come once there was an established 'feel' to the course. Sticking true to this, 'Cargie' visited England and Scotland in 1923, vowing to play as many courses as possible. He returned with was green seed mix and proceeded to sow these into the ground of the new, back 9 at Kooyonga.
'Cargie' would go on to help design courses, usually 9 holes, across Australia. His commitment to his own vision saw him have many run-ins with golfing identities. This even included voiced disdain toward the visiting Alister MacKenzie, who came with a huge reputation. Rymill slowly left the sport and returned to South Australia, where he took up farming and country life in a variety of towns. He passed away in 1951 at the age of 80.
