Charity golf day supporting our local palliative care

What began as a group of friends having a drink and a round of golf in memory of a lost mate; has quickly grown to become one of the premier events on the Central West golfing calendar.

The Al Gordon Memorial Golf Day, scheduled for Friday, March 11 is a now-annual fundraising tournament, held to honour the memory of keen local golfer, Al Gordon, who lost his battle with cancer six years ago.

Beginning in 2020 (and postponed due to COVID in 2021) the charity golf day has received overwhelming support from the community.

“That first one was something just to gauge the support behind it, but the community really rallied, and we had just shy of 120-people playing in it, which is basically a full tournament, so that was great,” said event co-organiser Michael Paddison.

“This is now the second year, officially, and we are now what we believe to be one of the premier tournaments in the Central West.”

The 18-hole two-person Ambrose tournament has $5000 worth of prizes up for grabs, novelty events (including “hitting a portaloo”), as well as the amazing opportunity to win a Ford Mustang!

“This year we are giving away a chance to win a Ford Mustang for a hole-in-one —

that's a pretty unique thing out here!” said Michael.

And the response from local businesses willing to sponsor the event has also been nothing short of amazing, he said.

McGrath Real Estate, the Robin Hood Hotel, Orange Mitre 10, Canobolas Auto One, Connaughton Landscape solutions, Kiteley’s Roofing World, Choices Flooring, Empire Strength Co., and FC Concrete have all thrown their support behind the fundraiser.

“They’re the guys that have really got behind this and pushed it and drove it for us. They've either sponsored holes or donated money directly to the cause and it wouldn't be as big without them,” said Michael.

The entire proceeds from the Al Gordon Memorial Golf Day will be donated to Orange Palliative Care Services, a cause that has a special meaning for Al Gordon’s family.

“The work the palliative care team do is unbelievable,” said Al’s son, Brett.

“It takes a special kind of person to do that and, what they did for Dad and myself and my family, was unbelievable. We obviously went through a hard time, but they made it that little bit easier to get through it.”

While the money they raise is going to a serious cause, the golf day is about having a good time with friends, said Brett.

“Dad was always up for a laugh and a joke, and so it’s about having a good, fun day.
Getting together and remembering my Dad and raising what money we can for the amazing work of the palliative care team,” Brett said.

Registrations for the Al Gordon Memorial Golf Day can be made by calling the Wenty Pro Shop on 63614571.