After lengthy deliberation, VGSA invited the Riverland Vets to host the 2025 AVGU National Championships, which later was brought forward to October 2024 due to issues with Darwin golf courses. The dedicated committee worked in conjunction with local government, business and golf clubs to ensure that the event was still of a high standard despite the shorter preparation time.
Following registration at the Berri Holiday Park on Sunday, 19 October 2024, the golf was played at Barmera, Berri and Loxton Golf Courses, all of which presented in excellent condition considering so little rain in the lead-up period. Superb weather for the whole week made for comfortable playing conditions on courses that were very suitable for veteran golfers. Players needing carts were accommodated at all courses, although the it was difficult to allocate grades and genders in proportional fields due to a number of factors. The imbalance was most notable with daily prizes favoring particular sectors on different courses.
The welcome function was conducted really well by the Barmera Golf Club, while the presentation dinner had to be split due to attendance limits at the Renmark Club, with Barmera Golf Club again picking up the remaining guests. A program of tours/activities was held for the non-playing partners and for everyone on the Wednesday rest day.
The event proceeded smoothly with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the 300+ players and also the non-players, especially given that the location was based around the Murray River in a premier tourist region. Event management in consultation with Mandurah Graphics followed on from the previous 2 years and ensured that organization was smooth without any external event manager. For the conduct of the championship MiScore was encouraged and used by the majority of players – the only issue being that a few non-receptive areas existed since the upgrade to 4G network was happening at the same time.
Financially the event, after the GST refund, delivered a surplus of $21,475 (Financial Report attached). Many early bird entries were received, in part because of the need to book accommodation in a tourist region that had other attractions occurring at the same time. However, it was deemed that the event was fairly priced for participants yet generous with prizes and social provisions. An excellent outcome considering limited sponsorship was obtained. The surplus allowed VGSA to provide an equal grant to its 11 divisions to promote services and enhance membership, and so the flow-on effect has been significant.
VGSA thanks AVGU for the opportunity to host the 2024 National Championships, and acknowledges the enormously successful work of the committee Dallas Zelliff, Steve Patching, Brian Finn, Paul Keane, Terry Sawade and Ron Nagy- each of whom received a piece of artwork in appreciation of their efforts.
Brian Nankivell,
VGSA President