On Thursday 10th and Friday 11th April, Gundagai hosted two days of Vets’ golf to complete a wonderful ‘Week of Golf’ in our local district, with Tumut hosting on the Monday and Tuesday of the same week.
These days were part of the NSW Veterans’ Golf Association (NSWVGA) program with 105 golfers playing in Gundagai on Thursday and 112 players on Friday. Players came from across the state and even interstate, representing 42 different towns or clubs. Players came from as far away as Mirage on the Gold Coast, Grafton and Armidale in northern NSW, a variety of clubs in Sydney, from the north and south coast of NSW, and even Keysborough in Victoria.
John Daley (President) and Aileen Williams (Secretary), of the NSWVGA, were in attendance as players and award presenters. John has since reported to the committee that Gundagai’s tournament had record numbers of players in attendance for NSWVGA tournaments.
Gundagai’s tournament had many contributors to its huge success. Much gratitude is extended to the Gundagai Golf Course ground staff and volunteers who had the course in excellent condition, with visitors and locals alike, praising the state of the fairways, greens and surrounds.
Bendigo Bank was the main sponsor, with valued sponsorship and donations also received from ‘Lotts’ Family Hotel’, ‘Woolworths- Gundagai’, ‘Agstock- Gundagai’, ‘ Gundagai District Services Club’ and local veteran golfers. The tournament would not be possible without this generous sponsorship and support in donations.
The ‘PSC Insurance Brokers’ $10,000 prize for a ‘Hole in One’ remained unclaimed as no one was able to achieve this feat on either day. This availability, was however appreciated, as was the time given by Pam Watling, Margaret Turner, Jan Freestone and Rex Smith, to be spotters over the two days on the designated hole for the major prize.
The major raffle prize of accommodation at the Merimbula Fishpen Apartments, kindly donated by The Gundagai District Services Club, was won by Tim Robson from Richmond, NSW.
Another highlight at the second day’s awards presentation, was the recognition that our local gem, Nancy Smith, will celebrate her 95th birthday on Easter Sunday. The large crowd broke into song and applauded Nancy, on this wonderful milestone. Nancy, a treasured member of the Gundagai Veterans and Ladies golfing groups, won the B Grade division on the Thursday, a truly wonderful and inspirational achievement!
The large task of Tournament Director was carried out by Helen Pearce, and along with Gundagai Golf Pro, Jarrod Harding, and Gundagai Vets Golf President, Laurence Smith, worked with committee members and local golfers (veteran, ladies and men), giving of their time to ensure the success of the tournament. Jill Graham and Ruth Forster are thanked for their help with the scoring.
Donations of food and prizes were greatly appreciated from our local golfers as was the time given by Marg Smith, kitchen extraordinaire, and Glen McGeachie, Geoff Scanes and Tom French, BBQ aces! Scones and an abundance of home cooked treats by our local ladies, were very well received by all.
Visitors expressed their appreciation of the hospitality from the Gundagai Vets Committee members and local golfers at this NSWVGA event and the Gundagai Vets’ Golf Committee members look forward to hosting their other large annual event, being the two day Vets’ Tournament on 1st and 2nd September, 2025.
Following is a list of winners from the Gundagai Veterans Week of Golf Tournament. Thursday Men’s A Grade Winner-Brad Wainwright, Gundagai; 2nd – Chris Annetts, Gundagai; 3rd-Stephen Grey, St George’s Basin; Men’s B Grade Winner- Laurence Smith, Gundagai; 2nd -John Kane, Yass; 3rd- David Wainwright.
Mirage Ladies A Grade Winner- Jenny Noden, St George’s Basin; 2nd-Paula Dean, Tumut; 3rd-Jill Graham, Gundagai.
Ladies B Grade Winner- Nancy Smith, Gundagai; 2nd – Wendy McClure, Gundagai; 3rd- Tricia Goulding, Woollarah.
Friday Men’s A Grade Winner-Jeff Ross, Gundagai; 2nd- John Mason, Howlong; 3rd-Greg Kell.
Tumut Men’s B Grade Winner- Graham Ball, Crescent Heads; 2nd-Bruce Walker, Pambula-Merimbula; 3rd-Michael Wells, Gundagai.
Ladies A Grade Winner-Heather Dennis, Pambula-Merimbula; 2nd-Cynthia Carroll, Tumut; 3rd-Sandra Gonzalez, St George’s Basin.
Ladies B Grade Winner- Bronwyn Annetts, Gundagai; 2nd-Charmain Pattison, Nelson Bay; 3rd- Jenny Smith, Campbelltown.
Nearest the Pin Winners Thursday 2nd hole- Geoff Smith, Gundagai. 4th hole-Doug Morey. 9th hole-Tim Robinson, Richmond. 12th hole-Brad Wainwright, Gundagai. 16th hole-David Earnshaw. Friday 2nd hole-Brad Wainwright, Gundagai; 4th hole-Graeme Drew; 9th hole- Bernie Harding; 12th hole-John Daley, Grafton; 16th hole- Allen Davies; Beryl Monaghan Overall Best Local Score- Joe Heydon, Gundagai .
NSWVGA Trophy Overall Ladies Winner- Julie Heydon, Gundagai; Runner-up-Teresa Waters, Holbrook.
Men’s Winner-William Lazer, The Links Shell Cove; Runner-up-Ian Harvey, Pymble.
36 Hole Stableford Overall Men’s Winner-Joe Heydon, Gundagai; 2nd- Ian Harvey, Pymble; 3rd-Darrell Baker, Karuah.
Ladies Winner-Teresa Waters, Holbrook; 2nd- Kerry Coulter, St George’s Basin; 3rd-Cheryl Druett, St George’s Basin.
72 Hole (Gundagai & Tumut) Bendigo Cup Winner- Ian Harvey, Pymble.
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