Brendan Moloney’s Memoirs Capture Four Decades of Golf

Brendan Moloney, one of Australia’s most respected golf journalists, has released Seventy-Five Plus Thais — a memoir spanning more than 40 years covering the game at home and abroad.

A fixture at The Age newspaper from 1977 to 1993, Moloney reported on 15 major championships and numerous international tournaments across the United States, Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Europe, and Asia. He was among the last generation of Australian golf writers to witness the sport’s “golden era” and the early signs of its local decline — as well as the shrinking influence of print newspapers.

Moloney has authored a dozen books, served as president of the Australian Golf Writers Association, and was honoured with life membership. In 2018, he was inducted into the Victorian Golf Hall of Fame.

The memoir blends sharp reporting with personal anecdotes, revisiting encounters with the game’s biggest names — including Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, and Peter Thomson, alongside tributes to lesser-known but equally influential figures who shaped Australian golf.

Mike Clayton: ‘A Terrific Book Reminding Us of an Era’

Former tour professional and acclaimed course architect Mike Clayton notes that Moloney’s career began in an era when newspapers were the heartbeat of golf news.

“They employed proper golf writers who knew the players and the players knew them by name. They trusted each other, the writers understood what was off limits, and they knew the game,” Clayton said. “Brendan became The Age’s golf man in 1985, covering the Norman years until he quit in 1993. He wasn’t a great player, but that’s never been a requirement for being a great reporter.”

The book’s title recalls a humorous moment at the Thailand Open, where a local misheard “ties” in reference to the cut as “Thais.” While rich in lighthearted stories, Seventy-Five Plus Thais also offers in-depth reflections, including a substantial section on five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson.

In one memorable exchange, Thomson lamented the game’s direction:

“The problem is that it is racing down a freeway instead of going through some elegant avenues at a steady pace. The golf ball is flying miles too far… it’s almost irreversible. That is a great, great regret.”

Clayton says the book’s value lies not only in its coverage of legends but also in its remembrance of local contributors — from artist Bob Wade to tournament visionary David Inglis, and club leader Paul Rak.

“Brendan’s work reminds us of people and events that helped shape our game — and of the silliness, too,” Clayton adds, pointing to stories like Michelle Bachli being refused entry to the R&A Museum in the 1970s simply for being female.

“This is a terrific book reminding us of events and people from an era not so long ago who played their part in making our local game what it is today.”

Seventy-Five Plus Thais is now available through select golf retailers and online booksellers.