Muriel follows her husband into retirement

By Peter Owen

When Muriel Willett first joined Cooroy Golf Club the course comprised only nine holes, women weren’t allowed to vote at club elections, and hardly anybody rode in golf carts.

But none of that mattered to Muriel, because playing golf meant she could spend precious time with her husband Lionel.

The Willetts had been farmers at Dalby, and moved to the Sunshine Coast in 1981. Working the land was still a passion, though, and they bought a 50 acre property, where they raised a few beef cattle.

And they played golf.

Lionel joined Cooroy first, and Muriel followed a few months later – becoming an associate member in 1982.

“I never intended to play,” Muriel said, “but he encouraged me, and I came to…