Grafton Veteran Golfers

 Big River Week of Golf

Thursday and Friday 23^rd and 24^th October 2008

Perfect weather for golf, magnificent course preparation and an abundance of visitors set the scene for a very successful two days of the Grafton segment of the Veteran Golfers Big River Week of Golf.

An average of 175 players from 46 different clubs from Queensland to south of Sydney heaped praise on the way the tournament was conducted and the attention to detail mastered by Veterans President John Tibbs.

Major men’s events were taken out by Grafton players Ashley Pawley, Eric Schaefer, Bill Collins, Charles Doggett, John Tibbs and Tom Battaglini.

The prestigious NSWVGA Trophy was won by Grafton man Ashley Pawley, with placings by Eric Schaefer and Neil Clayden, also from Grafton and in the Ladies NSWVGA trophy congratulations to Sonia Baker from Grafton who was top player, with Muree lady Thelma Bartlett in second place.

Tournament sponsor was the Gateway Village Holiday Park, and their bonus prize of a weeks’ accommodation was won by a visitor, whilst the major raffle of a portable fridge freezer was won by Coffs Harbour Veterans Captain Frank Ryan

Charles Doggett from Grafton was also a big winner when he had a hole in one on the sixth hole, gaining him club recognition, two bottles of fine wine from a sponsor and a certificate, making Charles a very happy man.

The whole tournament went extremely well, with starters at both tees, spotters on risky holes, beautiful morning teas provided by committee men’s wives, and an unbelievable air of friendliness for the whole two days.

All Golflink numbers and memberships had been checked, and at the presentation dinner the trophies were very quickly distributed.

The meals were excellent from the new caterers, and appreciative comments were made by all participants.

Grafton Veterans Secretary and Group 34 Secretary Graham Forman represented the VGA, and after offering greetings from President Des, Secretary Dick, Past Treasurer Bob and present Treasurer Alan gave a quick talk on the VGA activities.

Many of the visiting players were from Queensland and the new s about the coordination of Tournaments, the booklets of programs, and the involvement on the tourism base paper submission certainly gave them some positive points to ponder.

Graham then had the honour of presenting the VGA prize vouchers to many of his local players.