By Greg Martin

Richmond Veterans member Michael Harrison gets in some practice ahead of his tilt at the $25,000 Mega Cash hole-in-one prize at the annual Richmond Club Charity Golf Day. Watching closely are (l–r): fellow member Peter Bazewell, golf club bar manager Ashley Newis, Vets president Ken Powell and club pro Nick Banham. Photo: Katherine Johnston.

“Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn” and that certainly applies to the 160-strong members of the Richmond Veterans Golf Club.

The Vets have been flat-out like a lizard drinking organising the 14th annual Richmond Club Charity Golf Day at Richmond Golf Club on Monday, March 30.

Led by President Ken Powell, members have been busy rounding up players and sponsors, while also securing a host of terrific raffle and auction prizes.

And speaking of hard work several male members were recently spotted enjoying what you might call a “tree change”. Not relocating to the bush, mind you, but raking up mountains of bark shed by trees lining Royal Richmond’s fairways. There was plenty of it too!

By the end of the day, I reckon they all had shoulders and arms like Arnold Schwarzenegger. What a great bunch of blokes.

Funds raised through green fees; raffles and the auction will once again be shared between long-time beneficiary Legacy Australia and the Dementia Australia Research Foundation.

Since 2014, the annual charity day has raised more than $100,000 for Legacy alone a tremendous achievement.

This year’s format will be a popular two-person ambrose, with divisions for men, women and mixed pairs. For the uninitiated, both players hit off, the best shot is selected, and each then plays their next shot from that position until the ball is holed. It’s a format that encourages teamwork and takes a bit of pressure off perfect for a day like this.

So, what do you get for your $75 entry fee?

Eighteen holes at one of Western Sydney’s premier courses, breakfast, lunch, and the chance to dig deep into your kick for two incredibly worthwhile causes.

Breakfast kicks off from 7am, with a shotgun start at 8am.

Among the standout prizes is an invitation for two players to attend the Governor-General’s Legacy Day at the revamped Royal Sydney Golf Club later this year including 18 holes, a cart and a superb lunch.

A special mention must go to the businesses backing the day: major sponsors Mega Cash, Richmond Club, Riverstone-Schofields Memorial Club, Bendigo Bank, Windsor Toyota and a host of generous local businesses.

Mega Cash is sponsoring the hole-in-one prize on the par-three third hole. The first golfer to slot the little white ball in one shot will pocket a whopping $25,000.

Now that’s something worth swinging for.